History
Woodruff Electric Cooperative was organized in 1937. We were formed then and continue to operate today for only one purpose: to provide reliable, low cost electric service to our members.
Woodruff Electric was organized when only 1 in 10 rural homes had electricity. It continues today to provide reliable electric service to the rural areas which make up the majority of its territory.
Coop Stats
10500+
members
19000+
accounts
4900
miles of electrical distribution line
Serving members in the counties:
Cross
Lee
Monroe
Phillips
Prairie
St. Francis
Woodruff
The cooperative pays more than $1.1 million in property taxes each year to those 7 counties.
Woodruff Electric:
Operates under the Arkansas Public Service Commission jurisdiction
Is a member of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association located in Arlington, Virginia
Is a member and part owner of the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporations and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
There have been tremendous changes in both the quality of electric service and the way it is provided since those early days. Due to municipal growth and population shifts, the cooperative today makes use of the latest in technology to provide service to parts of most area towns and industrial parks.
Co-op History Book
Do you know Woodruff Electric’s history? From incorporation, to today’s workforce — learn about how your electric cooperative came to be. Read the whole history, in “Out of Darkness: A History of Woodruff Electric Cooperative Corporation.
Chapter 1 – Delta in the Dark
Chapter 2- Arkansas-is-Woodruff
Chapter 3- Lighting up the Countryside
Chapter 4- Power to the People
Chapter 5- Electrifying Lives
Chapter 6- Advancements in Adversity
Chapter 7- Weathering Storms
Chapter 8- Honoring Commitment
Free copies available at the Woodruff Electric headquarters office.
Cooperative Principles
Woodruff Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit organization, owned and operated by its members. Our main objective is to provide our membership with the very best electric service at the lowest possible cost. As a cooperative, we operate by these seven cooperative principles:
Voluntary & Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.
Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership.
In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights – one member, one vote – and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
Members’ Economic Participation
- Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
- At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. They usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership.
- Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes:
- Developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible
- Benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative
- Supporting other activities approved by the membership
Autonomy & Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
Education, Training, & Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives.
They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
Woodruff Electric Bylaws
Woodruff Electric Cooperative Corporation Bylaws set forth the basic structure by which the cooperative is governed.
The bylaws’ articles include:
- Membership
- Rights and liabilities of members
- Meeting of members
- Board of directors
- Meetings of directors
- Officers
The Bylaws are available for your inspection at the Woodruff Electric Cooperative Corporation offices during regular business hours.
Download the WECC Bylaws (PDF).