Co-Ops Electrified America
a day ago
- #New Deal
- #Public Utilities
- #Rural Electrification
- In the 1930s, rural America lacked electricity, affecting productivity and quality of life.
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) in 1935 to address this issue.
- Private utilities initially resisted due to high costs and perceived lack of profitability.
- The REA shifted focus to farmer cooperatives, which proved more effective and cost-efficient.
- By 1945, nearly half of all farms had electricity, and by 1956, 96% were electrified.
- The REA provided loans, technical support, and legal assistance to cooperatives.
- Standardized designs and materials reduced costs significantly, from $1,356 per mile to $850 per mile.
- Private utilities opposed cooperatives through lobbying, propaganda, and 'spite lines.'
- The REA countered with educational campaigns, media pushes, and demand-generation initiatives.
- Early electrification led to long-term economic benefits for rural counties.
- The REA's success demonstrated the power of federal-local partnerships and community involvement.