Texas Electric Cooperatives: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Established in 1941, Texas Electric Cooperatives (TEC) serves as the statewide association representing electric cooperatives across Texas. With a mission to support and advocate for its members, TEC provides essential services and products that sustain cooperative businesses in the modern era. The association's vision is rooted in the cooperative principles, emphasizing community service, member empowerment, and the provision of reliable, affordable electricity. TEC's significance in the industry is underscored by its representation of 67 distribution and 9 generation and transmission cooperatives, collectively serving over 3 million members throughout the state.

Key Strategic Focus

TEC's strategic focus encompasses several core objectives:

Advocacy: Representing member interests before legislative bodies and regulatory agencies at both state and federal levels.

Utility Supply & Services: Operating a state-of-the-art 160,000 square-foot facility in Georgetown, Texas, TEC provides a comprehensive range of utility supplies, including electric meters, utility poles, transformers, and wire. This division collaborates with 26 cooperatives across Texas to manage warehouses and streamline the supply chain for essential industry-related equipment.

Education and Training: Offering professional development opportunities, TEC conducts over 800 safety briefings and 50 technical schools annually, educating more than 3,000 utility workers. Additionally, the association organizes numerous conferences and training events tailored for electric cooperative employees.

Communication: Publishing the award-winning "Texas Co-op Power," a monthly magazine with a circulation of 1.8 million, TEC enhances the quality of life for cooperative member-consumers by celebrating Texas culture, people, and events.

Financials and Funding

As of April 2025, TEC reported annual revenues of approximately $75 million. The association employs over 250 dedicated individuals across Texas, reflecting its substantial operational scale and financial stability.

Technological Platform and Innovation

TEC leverages a robust technological infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. The association's tech stack includes:

Schneider Electric Solutions: Utilized for energy management and automation.

MySQL: Employed for database management.

JavaScript: Implemented for dynamic web content.

Microsoft Visio: Used for diagramming and vector graphics.

Cisco Systems: Deployed for networking solutions.

CentOS: Operating system for servers.

Google AddThis: Integrated for social media sharing capabilities.

This technological foundation underscores TEC's commitment to leveraging advanced tools to support its members effectively.

Leadership Team

TEC's leadership team is composed of experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the association's mission:

Mike Williams: Serving as President and CEO, Williams provides strategic direction and oversees the association's operations.

Johnny Andrews: As Chief Operating Officer of TEC Manufacturing & Distribution Services, Andrews manages the utility supply and services division, ensuring efficient operations and member support.

Kelton Bentke: Elected to the TEC Board in September 2024, Bentke brings valuable insights and leadership to the association's governance.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The electric cooperative sector in Texas is integral to the state's energy infrastructure, serving a significant portion of the population, especially in rural and suburban areas. The market is characterized by a commitment to providing reliable, affordable electricity while adhering to cooperative principles that emphasize member ownership and community service.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the Texas electric cooperative landscape include:

Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC): Established in 1938, PEC is the largest electric distribution cooperative in the United States, serving over 300,000 members across an 8,100 square-mile area in Central Texas. PEC has been proactive in integrating renewable energy solutions, including the installation of a 2.25-MW / 4.5-MWh grid battery in Johnson City in 2020.

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative: Founded in 1939, Bluebonnet serves over 112,000 members in Central Texas. The cooperative focuses on providing reliable electric service and has a strong commitment to community engagement and technological innovation.

Sam Houston Electric Cooperative (SHECO): Established in 1938, SHECO serves more than 70,000 members across parts of 10 counties in East Texas. The cooperative has embraced advanced metering infrastructure and participates in renewable energy initiatives, including a solar project near Livingston capable of generating up to 4 megawatts of electricity.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

TEC has formed strategic alliances to enhance its service offerings and operational efficiency:

Cox Industries: In August 2017, TEC partnered with Cox Industries to manage its wood utility pole manufacturing plant in Jasper, Texas. This alliance expanded TEC's resources, reduced operational costs, and created large-scale procurement opportunities, benefiting the cooperative membership.

Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative: TEC announced a sole source alliance with Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative, aiming to strengthen market position and innovation capacity.

Swisher Electric Cooperative: A strategic alliance with Swisher Electric Cooperative was formed to expand capabilities and enhance service delivery.

Operational Insights

TEC's strategic considerations in relation to major competitors and market position include:

Advocacy and Representation: By effectively representing member interests at legislative and regulatory levels, TEC ensures that cooperative concerns are addressed, providing a competitive advantage in policy influence.

Comprehensive Service Offerings: TEC's Utility Supply & Services division provides a one-stop solution for essential utility infrastructure needs, differentiating it from competitors by offering a broad range of products and services.

Educational Initiatives: Through extensive training programs and conferences, TEC enhances the skills and knowledge of cooperative employees, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, TEC is poised to capitalize on several strategic opportunities:

Renewable Energy Integration: By supporting member cooperatives in adopting renewable energy sources, TEC can contribute to sustainability goals and meet evolving consumer preferences.

Technological Advancements: Investing in advanced technologies, such as smart grid solutions and data analytics, can enhance operational efficiency and service reliability.

Member Engagement: Strengthening communication channels and member engagement initiatives can foster loyalty and ensure that cooperative services align with member needs.

Strategic Partnerships: Expanding alliances with industry partners can provide access to new resources, expertise, and markets, driving growth and innovation.

Contact Information

Website: texas-ec.org

LinkedIn: Texas Electric Cooperatives on LinkedIn

This comprehensive profile provides an in-depth look at Texas Electric Cooperatives, highlighting its mission, strategic focus, financials, technological initiatives, leadership, competitive landscape, partnerships, operational insights, and future directions.