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Bandera
Electric Cooperative
TRANSFORMING
RURAL
COMMUNITIES
How Bandera Electric Cooperative has evolved its capabilities to better serve its members
Founded in 1938, Bandera Electric Cooperative has enjoyed a rich history over the past 87 years. Energy, Oil & Gas joins CEO Bill Hetherington to get some highlights:“ We began as part of the Rural Electrification Administration under President Roosevelt,” he begins.“ Our primary goal at the time was to bring electricity to rural parts of the United States, primarily here in Texas. Bandera Electric Cooperative was formed to serve a seven-county area northwest of San Antonio, which was considered too rural for the main power companies to serve.
“ As a member cooperative, we’ re owned by our members, so the people who buy electricity from us own us and we borrow money on their behalf. Their electric bill is paid each month as part of their equity. This makes us unique. We’ re very much focused on providing the services our members need and want, with the goal of enhancing their quality of life because rural areas don’ t have the same opportunities as urban areas. energy-oil-gas. com 79