MEC is a rural electric distribution cooperative. Its primary mission is to provide electric service to its member/owners in the Central Oregon area. MEC is also involved with the different communities it serves, offers a variety of programs for the students in the local elementary, middle and high schools, supports the local businesses and promotes economic development.
MEC offers a number of different products and services that have been developed to assist their residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural member/owners. (Availability of products and services are subject to change based on funding). For a current listing, see Products and Services.
MEC was incorporated in 1948 and energized in 1952.
In 1952, there were 153 consumer-owners, 7 miles of energized line and 6 employees.
In 2020, MEC grew to over 16,861 consumer-owners, 2,411 miles of energized line and employed 59 people.
In 2020, MEC had $35,218,333 in revenues and a gross plant value of $124,189,908. Dave Schneider is the General Manager of MEC. He is responsible for the day to day operations of the cooperative and follows guidelines established by the Board of Directors.
MEC is owned by the member/owners, who are represented in each district by a member of the Board of Directors.
There are 9 Board Districts and a Board of 9 Directors. Directors are elected by the member/owners and serve a three-year term. Three board members are eligible for re-election each year.
MEC provides electric service to portions of four counties in Central Oregon: Deschutes, Klamath, Lake, and Lane Counties.
MEC territory covers 5,600 square miles from the Cascade Mountains on the Western boundary, Lava Butte on the North boundary, Klamath Marsh to the South, and East of Christmas Valley on the East boundary.
MEC is one of 18 rural electric cooperatives in Oregon. All are members of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA).
MEC borrows from the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Cooperative.
Each year, MEC holds its annual meeting of the membership either in April or May. In recent years, between 800 and 1000 people have attended this meeting.
The annual meeting is provided for in the bylaws and gives members the opportunity to elect directors from each district, and to hear and evaluate reports on the operation of the cooperative.