Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative: Powering Southeastern Arizona Since 1938

Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Established in 1938, it provides essential electrical infrastructure and services to residential and commercial members across Cochise, Graham, Pima, and Santa Cruz Counties.

Key Services for Local Needs

SSVEC offers a range of services tailored to the southeastern Arizona region.

Electrical Safety & Inspection

Electric inspections are critical for older homes in historic Sierra Vista neighborhoods like Pueblo del Sol and areas near Fort Huachuca. Monsoon season brings intense lightning storms that can damage outdated wiring in homes built in the 1960s and 70s. Regular inspections help prevent outages in commercial districts like Fry Boulevard.

Energy Efficiency Programs

These programs help manage energy costs during extreme summer heat in communities from Whetstone to Huachuca City. Efficient systems are vital for homes with evaporative coolers common in the region's drier areas.

High-Speed Internet & Phone Services

Through its partnership with TWN Communications, SSVEC provides vital connectivity. This service supports remote workers in Sierra Vista, students in Benson, and businesses along the State Route 90 corridor.

Detailed Areas Served

SSVEC's service territory covers over 4,200 miles of energized line.

Primary Service Zone: Specific Sierra Vista neighborhoods include Pueblo del Sol, The Seasons, and areas around Charleston Road and Fry Boulevard. It also serves the communities of Huachuca City and Pirtleville.

Extended Service Area: The cooperative serves Nogales, Benson, Whetstone, Mescal, and surrounding unincorporated areas of Cochise and Santa Cruz Counties. The team understands the unique infrastructure from the mountainous terrains near the Huachuca Mountains to the flatter valleys.

Company History & Local Roots

Founded in 1938 to bring electricity to rural southeastern Arizona, SSVEC has grown alongside the region. Key milestones include expanding service to support growth around Fort Huachuca and the City of Sierra Vista. The cooperative now distributes electricity to over 60,000 services.

Leadership & Team

SSVEC is governed by a member-elected board of directors from within the service territory. Its team consists of locally hired professionals, including linemen and customer service staff familiar with the area's geography and climate challenges. Staff hold necessary Arizona credentials for electrical work.

Community-Specific Specializations

SSVEC has developed expertise relevant to local conditions.

• Managing electrical load during summer peak demand from air conditioning use.
• Providing surge protection solutions for monsoon-season lightning strikes common in the high desert.
• Supporting the local economic base, including military, healthcare, and agriculture sectors.
• Navigating county-specific permit processes in Cochise and Santa Cruz Counties.
• Maintaining reliable service across vast, sometimes remote, terrain.

Local Reputation & Reliability

Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative's longevity since 1938 demonstrates deep community integration. It maintains consistent service by meeting Arizona Corporation Commission standards and adapting to regional challenges like summer heat and monsoon storms. Its member-owned model fosters a direct connection to the needs of Sierra Vista, Nogales, and surrounding communities.