Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative: Powering Dade City FL and Surrounding Communities

Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative serves as a trusted electric utility provider for residents and businesses across Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties in Florida. Based in Dade City FL, this not-for-profit cooperative has been delivering reliable electricity since 1941. They focus on residential and commercial members, offering consistent service with a commitment to community values.

Business Overview

Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative in Dade City FL operates as a member-owned utility, meaning it answers to the people it serves rather than distant shareholders. The cooperative employs local professionals who manage electricity distribution, maintenance, and customer support. While primarily focused on standard utility services, they emphasize preparedness, especially during Florida's hurricane season from June to November, helping members stay safe and powered.

For emergencies like outages, members can contact their 24/7 hotline. The cooperative's team works swiftly to restore power, understanding how crucial electricity is in Florida's heat. Their office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with closed weekends, but emergency support remains available around the clock.

Key Services

Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative provides essential electric services tailored to Florida's needs:

• Electric inspection to ensure safety and compliance
• Prepaid metering for flexible payment options
• Energy-saving programs to help reduce bills in hot climates
• Routine maintenance and outage response
• Community initiatives like Operation Round-Up for local support

These services help members manage their electricity efficiently, whether in older homes in Dade City or newer developments in The Villages.

Areas Served

The cooperative covers a wide region in Central Florida, including Spring Hill FL, The Villages FL, Bayonet Point FL, New Port Richey FL, Zephyrhills FL, Homosassa Springs FL, Brooksville FL, Inverness FL, Crystal River FL, and many more communities. This extensive service area shows their deep roots in local counties, from coastal spots like Hernando Beach to inland towns like Bushnell.

Company History

Founded in 1941, Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative started to bring electricity to rural areas when many parts of Florida lacked reliable power. Over decades, it has grown to serve thousands of members, adapting to Florida's population boom and changing energy needs. As a not-for-profit, it returns capital credits to members annually, sharing financial benefits directly with the community.

Unique features include its member-elected Board of Trustees, ensuring local voices guide decisions. This structure keeps the cooperative focused on Dade City FL and neighboring towns, rather than profit alone.

Leadership

The cooperative is led by a Board of Trustees elected by members, all with ties to Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties. This local leadership means decisions reflect community priorities, from storm preparedness to affordable rates. Leaders participate in industry groups and local events, strengthening bonds with areas like Spring Hill and Zephyrhills.

Their involvement includes safety education and supporting families through programs like Operation Round-Up, which pools small donations to assist those in need.

Specialties & Highlights

What makes Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative stand out:

• Not-for-profit model: Profits go back to members via capital credits, not outside investors.
• Member governance: A Board of Trustees elected by members ensures local control.
• Community focus: Programs like Operation Round-Up help families, showing care beyond bills.
• Hurricane readiness: They prioritize safety and quick recovery during Florida's storm season.
• Energy efficiency: Offering programs to save power, useful in Florida's warm climate.

Why Locals Choose Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative

Residents and businesses in Dade City FL and nearby areas trust Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative for its long-standing reliability and community commitment. Since 1941, they've provided steady electricity, even as Florida's weather challenges power grids. Their not-for-profit approach means fair rates and direct member benefits, unlike many corporate utilities.

With a focus on local values, from energy savings to hurricane preparedness, they've built a reputation as a dependable partner. Whether in historic Dade City or growing suburbs like Trinity, members appreciate the cooperative's dedication to keeping lights on and communities strong.