In 1935, Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States, created the Rural Electrification Administration (REA). From this time rural electrification has grown into one of the most successful self-help programs ever enacted by the U.S. Government.

Caddo Electric Cooperative has had a steady growth since its beginning March 13, 1937. The first loan from REA was for $180,000 to pay for building 170 miles of line to serve approximately 490 members in Caddo, Grady and Comanche counties. Today, we serve over 15,500 meters, who utilize more than 4,176 miles of line. We service eight counties; Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Comanche, Custer, Grady, Kiowa and Washita.

This new business was started in our area because rural people needed electricity and couldn't get it from established suppliers. To change this situation, they formed
their own cooperative. The first loan from REA to start Caddo Electric Cooperative was $180,000. The present day value of the plant is over $39 million.During the 1940's several events had a major effect on Caddo Electric Cooperative. Early 1941, a major breakthrough came for the Western Oklahoma Cooperatives. Because the commercial power companies could not or would not provide electric service at rates farmers and
industry could afford to pay, the leaders of nine electric cooperatives began to organize efforts to solve their wholesale problems. In late February, 1941, a charter was granted and Western Farmers Electric Cooperative was born; and Caddo Electric Cooperative began purchasing power from Western.

World War II began and Western Farmers cooperated with the government by closing down its construction program and by releasing its six 7500 kW generating units, which it had on order, to the War effort. The period during World War II showed 100% growth in Caddo Electric's system. From 1955 to the present time the growth rate in physical size and the number of services had not been so dramatic, but increase in kWh sales had seen a steady rate of growth through 1982. The years 1983-1992, Caddo had experienced a decline in kWh sales. Since 1993 the cooperative has seen a steady increase in sales. The 1970's saw inflation soaring. OSHA, (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) a new government agency made an impact on everyday operations. Changes were made to meet OSHA's requirements costing thousands of dollars. The 1970's also saw Caddo Electric's first General Manager, Mr. Billie Bryan retiring in July, 1973 and Mr. Doyle Marlett was named manager at that time and served in that capacity until January 1996. Mr. Bob Thomasson was then named the third General Manager for Caddo Electric and serves in that position today.

Today, Caddo Electric has 60 employees who are continually working to meet the challenge of providing dependable, efficient service to members of the cooperative. The cooperative is governed by an elected Board of Trustees, one from each of the nine districts that make up Caddo Electric's service territory. Elections are held in three districts each year to elect trustees to serve three-year terms. Donald Wright, serving in district No. 6, is current president of the Board. A cooperative, such as Caddo Electric, in a way, can be compared with a Democracy. It is an organization which is owned and operated by the people and for the good of the people. As a member of a cooperative, you receive power at cost. A cooperatives' rates are structured to recover only what is actually needed to keep the cooperative operating. Member-consumers of Caddo Electric Cooperative are investing their money for good, dependable, electric service at cost.

Caddo Electric Cooperative has just recently introduced the new Touchstone Energy affiliation. This new brand will take Caddo Electric and its members into the future as the electric utility industry changes. Touchstone, by definition, means a test of genuineness. This symbolizes everything that electric cooperatives represent today: electric power, human connections, and the strength of cooperative's commitment to the communities and the consumers they serve.

Accountability, service and commitment to community - that's what the member-owner can count on from Caddo Electric. Always putting you first as our number one priority.