Okefenokee Rural Electric: Your Trusted Power Partner in Kingsland, GA

For over 80 years, Okefenokee Rural Electric has been the heartbeat of power for homes and businesses across southeast Georgia. Based right here in Kingsland, GA, this member-owned cooperative lights up communities from the coastal plains to the inland pinewoods.

Business Overview

Okefenokee Rural Electric is a not-for-profit electric cooperative. It serves about 29,000 members. The team manages over 3,500 miles of power lines. They focus on bringing reliable electricity to both rural homes and local businesses.

While they are not a 24/7 emergency repair service, they maintain the infrastructure that keeps the lights on for thousands. Their work supports the unique needs of the area, from historic homes in Saint Marys to newer builds in growing communities.

Key Services

The cooperative provides the essential electrical service that powers daily life. Their main offerings include:

• Electric Inspection: They perform inspections to help ensure systems are safe and up to code, which is vital for older homes common in the region.
• Cooperative Solar Program: Members can subscribe to solar energy blocks for $20 a month. This supports renewable energy right here in Georgia.
• Rural Line Maintenance & Operation: Their core mission is building and maintaining the electrical grid that serves remote and rural areas.

Areas Served

Okefenokee Rural Electric proudly serves a wide swath of Southeast Georgia. Their service area includes Kingsland, Saint Marys, Kings Bay Base, and Isle of Hope. They also extend power to communities like Nashville, Ocilla, Willacoochee, Broxton, Enigma, and Sterling. They even serve parts of Echols County and northeast Florida.

Company History

The story of Okefenokee Rural Electric began in 1939. It was founded to bring electricity to farms and rural towns that larger companies overlooked. Starting small, the co-op has grown alongside the communities it serves. Today, it operates those thousands of miles of lines, a testament to its commitment to rural development.

A unique feature is its member-owned structure. Customers are not just billed; they are member-owners with a voice in the cooperative.

Leadership

As a member-owned cooperative, Okefenokee Rural Electric is governed by a board of directors elected from its membership. This means leadership comes from the local community. The board and management team have deep roots in the area and understand the specific challenges of providing power in Georgia's coastal and rural landscapes. Their industry involvement focuses on advancing rural electrification and sustainable energy options.

Specialties & Highlights

What makes Okefenokee Rural Electric stand out?

• Member-Owned Cooperative: Profits are returned to the members, keeping costs fair and service community-focused.
• Cooperative Solar: One of the few utilities in the area offering an accessible, subscription-based solar option.
• Deep Rural Expertise: Over eight decades of experience specifically in building and maintaining infrastructure for non-urban areas.
• Local Decision-Making: Key choices about service and investments are made locally by people who live here.

Why Locals Choose Okefenokee Rural Electric

People in Kingsland, GA, and across the region stick with Okefenokee Rural Electric for simple reasons. They provide a fundamental service with remarkable consistency. Their long history means they understand the weather here, from summer thunderstorms to humid seasons, and how it affects the electrical grid. The quality of their work is seen in the reliable power that supports local life. Choosing Okefenokee Rural Electric means partnering with a neighbor that has been here since 1939 and plans to be here for generations to come. For dependable power service in Kingsland, GA, the community trusts Okefenokee Rural Electric.