Cookson Hills Electric Coop: Powering Stigler and Southeast Oklahoma Since 1945

Cookson Hills Electric Coop is a not-for-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Stigler, Oklahoma. Established in 1945, it has been a foundational utility provider for nearly eight decades, serving a diverse territory across several counties. The cooperative generates electricity through Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. and transmits it via KAMO Power's lines to nearly 18,000 meters. Its deep integration into the local infrastructure and economy positions it as a critical authority for electrical service and high-speed fiber internet in the region.

Key Services and Local Applications

The cooperative's core service is providing reliable electricity, with a strong focus on maintenance and safety through electric inspections. These inspections are vital for homes and businesses across the area, from historic buildings in downtown Stigler to newer developments. The cooperative also operates a major subsidiary offering 1-gigabit symmetrical speed fiber optic internet, connecting almost 19,000 locations. This service addresses the growing demand for high-speed connectivity in both rural and town settings, supporting local businesses, schools, and remote workers.

Detailed Areas Served

Cookson Hills Electric Coop's primary service zone includes the city of Stigler and its key neighborhoods, such as areas near Haskell County Courthouse, along Broadway Street, and residential districts by Stigler High School. Its extended service area is extensive, covering specific locations like Sallisaw, Heavener, Wilburton, Spiro, Hartshorne, Vian, Panama, Woodall, Keys, Wister, and Shady Point. The cooperative's operational teams possess specific familiarity with the varied infrastructure, from older overhead lines in historic neighborhoods to newer subdivisions, ensuring efficient service across its territory.

Company History and Community Roots

Founded in the post-World War II era, Cookson Hills Electric Coop was created to bring essential power to rural Southeast Oklahoma. Its growth has mirrored the region's development. Key milestones include the expansion of its service grid to include new municipalities and the launch of its fiber internet project. Physical growth is evidenced by ongoing infrastructure projects, such as recent right-of-way clearing and pole replacements in areas around Heavener and Wilburton. These efforts have significantly reduced outages and created local jobs, reinforcing its role in community stability.

Leadership and Operational Team

The cooperative is governed by a board of directors composed of members from the local communities it serves, ensuring decisions reflect area needs. Team members hold professional credentials specific to Oklahoma's utility regulations. Many employees are long-term residents of towns like Stigler, Sallisaw, or Poteau, with deep ties to the region. The cooperative actively participates in local trade associations and prioritizes hiring within its service area, fostering a team with intrinsic knowledge of local geography and customer expectations.

Community-Specific Specializations

• Storm Response and Infrastructure Hardening: The region experiences severe spring thunderstorms and occasional ice storms from the Plains climate. The cooperative specializes in rapid outage response and proactive maintenance, like the recent pole replacements, to withstand these weather patterns.
• Support for Local Economic Base: Understanding an economy based on agriculture, light manufacturing, and forestry, the cooperative provides reliable power for irrigation systems in Panama and Wister, and supports commercial operations along corridors like Highway 59.
• Navigating Rural Service Logistics: With service extending to unincorporated county areas and communities like Shady Point, the cooperative has optimized response protocols for the region's terrain and road networks.
• Historic Property Considerations: In towns with older housing stock, such as certain neighborhoods in Hartshorne or Wilburton, the cooperative's inspection services are attuned to the wiring needs of historic preservation guidelines.

Local Reputation and Reliability

Cookson Hills Electric Coop's longevity, spanning generations of customers, establishes it as the most established provider in its territory. Its not-for-profit model fosters trust and a pattern of repeat business within the communities. The cooperative consistently meets Oklahoma's strict electrical code requirements and inspection standards. Its adaptation to regional challenges—from seasonal weather to rural logistics—demonstrates a proven reliability for electricians in Stigler, OK and the broader Southeast Oklahoma region. Its recent infrastructure investments further solidify its commitment to uninterrupted service for all members.