Wasco Electric Co-Op: Your Trusted Power Partner in The Dalles, Oregon

For over 80 years, Wasco Electric Co-Op has been the local source for reliable electricity in the Columbia River Gorge. As a member-owned cooperative, they don't just deliver power—they serve the community. Based in The Dalles, OR, they keep the lights on for homes, farms, and businesses across the region.

Business Overview

Wasco Electric Co-Op is a not-for-profit electric utility owned by the people it serves. They focus on providing safe, reliable electricity to residential and commercial members. While they are not a traditional 24/7 emergency electrical contractor, they maintain a robust system for power outages and infrastructure emergencies across their service territory. Their team of skilled employees manages a vast network to ensure consistent service.

Key Services for Homeowners & Businesses

The cooperative's primary service is delivering electricity, supported by programs that help members manage their power use and costs.

• Electric System & Metering: They maintain the infrastructure—over 1,600 miles of lines—that brings power to your property.
• Energy Efficiency Programs: Members can access rebates for upgrading to more efficient appliances and systems, helping lower bills.
• Net Metering Services: For members with solar panels or other renewable generation, the co-op facilitates connecting to the grid and managing credits.
• Electric Inspection & Connection: They handle inspections for new service connections and upgrades, ensuring everything meets safety standards for local homes and commercial buildings.

Areas Served

Wasco Electric Co-Op proudly serves The Dalles OR, Chenoweth OR, and surrounding rural areas across Wasco, Sherman, Jefferson, Gilliam, and Wheeler counties. Their deep knowledge of the local terrain, from riverfront properties to high-plateau farms, means they understand the unique electrical needs of buildings in this part of Oregon.

Company History

The story began in 1940. Back then, many rural areas around The Dalles had no access to electricity. A group of local residents formed the cooperative, securing initial funding from the Federal Rural Electrification Administration. Their mission was simple: bring power to the farms and homes that larger utilities overlooked. From those beginnings, they've grown to serve over 3,000 members through ten substations and a vast line network, all while staying true to their community-focused roots.

Leadership & Community Involvement

The co-op is governed by a board of directors elected from the membership—local people who understand the area's needs. Leadership is deeply involved in the community, not just in providing power. This local presence is a cornerstone of their operation, ensuring decisions benefit the members they serve every day.

Specialties & Highlights

What makes Wasco Electric Co-Op different?

• Member-Owned: Profits are returned to members, reinvested in the system, or used to support local programs.
• Community Programs: Initiatives like the Co-op Connection Card® Program directly support local members and businesses.
• Rural Expertise: Decades of experience serving the challenging and varied landscapes of North Central Oregon.
• Focus on Efficiency: Actively helps members save energy and money through rebates and education.

Why Locals Choose Wasco Electric Co-Op

Residents and business owners in The Dalles, OR, and the surrounding counties choose Wasco Electric Co-Op because of their unwavering reliability and deep local commitment. They are more than a utility; they are a neighbor with a long-standing presence. Their model ensures that the community's well-being is always the priority, making them a trusted partner for powering life in the Gorge.