
The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA) is a trade association that serves 23 electric cooperatives that provide energy for 2.5 million people in Tennessee. The cooperatives were formed to bring electricity to rural areas, with a focus on sustainable development and improving everyday life through the delivery of safe and affordable energy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide an essential service to the communities they serve |
| Service | Safe and affordable energy |
| Area | Rural and suburban Tennessee |
| Members | 2.5 million homes, farms, and businesses |
| Number of Cooperatives | 23 |
| Number of Electric Line Workers | 3,500 |
| Type of Organization | Democratic, non-discriminatory, and controlled by members |
| Voting Rights | Equal for all members (one member, one vote) |
| Technology | Latest technology for efficient and reliable service |
| Safety | Everyday Safe practices for linemen and members |
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What You'll Learn
- The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA) provides leadership, advocacy and support to 23 electric cooperatives
- TECA empowers cooperatives to improve everyday life for their consumer-owners
- TECA delivers safe and affordable energy to rural and suburban communities
- TECA works for the sustainable development of communities through member-accepted policies
- TECA linemen work to be everyday safe by being aware of their surroundings and identifying risks

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA) provides leadership, advocacy and support to 23 electric cooperatives
The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA) is a trade association that provides leadership, advocacy, and support to 23 electric cooperatives, including Tennessee's 22 electric cooperatives and one municipal system. These cooperatives serve more than 2.5 million homes, farms, and businesses in rural and suburban Tennessee, providing them with safe and affordable energy.
The history of electric cooperatives in Tennessee dates back to the formation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Rural Electrification Administration. Before the creation of these organizations, electrification of rural areas was deemed unfeasible by for-profit power companies due to low profitability. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Tennessee Valley Authority Act, creating a federal agency to provide various services, including electric generation and economic development in the Tennessee Valley. The Rural Electrification Administration made federal funds available for rural electric service, but existing power companies showed little interest. As a result, leaders of farm organizations proposed the formation of nonprofit electric cooperatives.
The electric cooperatives in Tennessee are voluntary, democratic organizations that are open to all persons willing to accept the responsibilities of membership without discrimination. Members actively participate in setting policies and making decisions, with elected representatives accountable to the membership. These cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through member-accepted policies, focusing on delivering safe and reliable energy to improve the everyday lives of their consumer-owners.
Tennessee's electric cooperatives also prioritize safety, with initiatives like the "everyday safe" campaign, which promotes awareness of surroundings, risk identification, and smart decision-making. Additionally, they invest in robust and expanding broadband infrastructure, connecting local communities with global knowledge and markets. Through initiatives like the Youth Leadership Summit, they foster the development of young leaders and educate them about state government, public policy, and leadership.
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TECA empowers cooperatives to improve everyday life for their consumer-owners
The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA) is a trade association that serves the needs of Tennessee's electric cooperatives. TECA empowers cooperatives to improve everyday life for their consumer-owners. This empowerment takes the form of reliable access to safe and affordable energy, as well as the advancement of Tennessee's rural and suburban communities.
TECA represents 23 power distributors, including 22 electric cooperatives and one municipal system. Together, they serve over 2.5 million homes, farms, and businesses in rural and suburban Tennessee, providing energy to one in three Tennessee homes.
The history of electric cooperatives in Tennessee dates back to the formation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Rural Electrification Administration, which made federal funds available to provide rural electric service. Leaders of farm organizations proposed the formation of nonprofit electric cooperatives, and Tennesseans formed 23 electric cooperatives to bring electricity to rural areas.
Today, TECA provides leadership, advocacy, and support to unify and empower Tennessee's consumer-owned electric cooperatives. Through initiatives like Voices for Cooperative Power and the Youth Leadership Summit, TECA engages with local communities and fosters the development of young leaders. TECA also promotes safe practices, such as encouraging motorists to move over when passing a utility worksite and educating communities about everyday safety.
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TECA delivers safe and affordable energy to rural and suburban communities
The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA) is a trade association that serves the needs of Tennessee's electric cooperatives. TECA delivers safe and affordable energy to rural and suburban communities across Tennessee.
TECA is made up of 23 individual power distributors, including 22 electric cooperatives and one municipal system. Together, they provide energy for 2.5 million Tennesseans, powering homes, farms, and businesses. This accounts for 71% of Tennessee's landmass.
The cooperatives are committed to improving the everyday lives of their consumer-owners. They do this through the reliable delivery of safe and affordable energy. TECA and its cooperatives aim to advance and empower Tennessee's rural and suburban communities.
Electric cooperatives in Tennessee were formed to bring electricity to rural areas. Before their formation, electrification of these areas was deemed unfeasible by for-profit power companies. The Tennessee Valley Authority Act, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, created a federal agency to provide electric generation, among other services, in the Tennessee Valley. This, along with post-war technological advancements, propelled the rapid growth of rural electrification.
TECA and its cooperatives continue to focus on member needs and work for the sustainable development of their communities. They utilize the latest technology to efficiently serve their members. This includes a modern electric grid that automatically reports outages and service issues. TECA also prioritizes safety through its "'everyday safe'" initiative, which promotes awareness of surroundings, identification of risks, and smart decision-making.
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TECA works for the sustainable development of communities through member-accepted policies
The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA) is a trade association that serves 23 electric cooperatives in Tennessee. TECA works to improve the everyday lives of Tennesseans through the safe and affordable delivery of energy.
TECA's work is focused on the sustainable development of communities through member-accepted policies. TECA empowers cooperatives to serve their consumer-owners by providing reliable energy. This is achieved through the use of the latest technology, ensuring efficient and reliable service to one in three Tennessee homes.
TECA's commitment to sustainable development is evident in its focus on rural and suburban communities. Through its work, TECA has brought electricity to rural areas, transforming their economies beyond agriculture. TECA's efforts have resulted in reliable and affordable energy for more than 2.5 million homes, farms, and businesses in these communities.
As a democratic organization, TECA involves its members in setting policies and making decisions. This member-driven approach ensures that the needs and voices of the communities are heard and addressed. TECA's work in policy advocacy and support unifies and strengthens Tennessee's consumer-owned electric cooperatives.
Furthermore, TECA promotes safe practices through its "everyday safe" initiative, encouraging awareness of surroundings, identification of risks, and smart decision-making. TECA also invests in broadband infrastructure, connecting local communities to global knowledge and markets, and fostering sustainable development through digital connectivity.
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TECA linemen work to be everyday safe by being aware of their surroundings and identifying risks
The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA) is a trade association that serves the needs of Tennessee's electric cooperatives. TECA linemen work to be "everyday safe" by being aware of their surroundings and identifying risks. This means that they take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety while working with power lines and other dangerous equipment.
Linemen face numerous workplace hazards, including falls from dangerous heights, electric shocks, burns, exposure to toxic substances, and motor vehicle accidents. To stay safe, linemen must be aware of their tools, equipment, coworkers, and hazards in their work area. They should only use tools they are familiar with and handle equipment safely. Working as a team and maintaining clear communication are also essential for safety.
Additionally, utility companies are responsible for providing their workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as high-voltage linemen gloves, conductive safety boots, helmets, and fire-resistant clothing. Proper safety measures and safe behaviour among workers can help power linemen stay safe and productive.
TECA linemen also work to improve the everyday lives of their consumer-owners by providing reliable and affordable energy to Tennessee's rural and suburban communities. By staying safe and delivering essential services, TECA linemen contribute to the sustainable development and advancement of the communities they serve.
Overall, TECA linemen prioritize their safety by being mindful of their surroundings and potential risks. They follow best practices and safety measures to protect themselves and their colleagues while delivering vital energy services to Tennessee residents.
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Frequently asked questions
The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA) exists to provide leadership, advocacy and support to unify and empower Tennessee’s consumer-owned electric co-ops. The association empowers cooperatives to improve everyday life for their consumer-owners through the reliable delivery of safe and affordable energy and the advancement of Tennessee’s rural and suburban communities.
Tennessee's 23 electric cooperatives provide energy for 2.5 million Tennesseans across 71% of Tennessee's land mass. The cooperatives are voluntary organisations open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without discrimination based on gender, social, racial, political or religious grounds.
Electricity was available in many of America’s larger cities, but electrification of rural areas was deemed unfeasible. For-profit power companies considered it unprofitable to build lines in sparsely populated rural areas. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Tennessee Valley Authority Act, creating a federal agency to provide river navigation, flood control, electric generation, fertilizer manufacturing, and economic development in the Tennessee Valley.




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