map of TCEC service territory

 

Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) is dedicated to providing members with safe, reliable and affordable electric service to improve the quality of life for our members. Headquartered in Hooker, Okla., TCEC is a not-for-profit distribution cooperative owned and governed by its members.

We serve approximately 12,000 members and about 22,500 meters in the Oklahoma Panhandle, southwestern Kansas, the northern border of the Texas Panhandle and parts of Colorado and New Mexico. Our dedicated staff oversees nearly 5,000 miles of distribution lines. We serve the following towns. If you do not see your area listed, please search for a different TCEC including the state you are in. There are 13 Tri-County Electric Cooperatives in the United States.

  • Balko
  • Beaver
  • Boise City
  • Elkhart, KS
  • Felt
  • Forgan
  • Goodwell
  • Guymon
  • Hardesty
  • Hooker
  • Keyes
  • Texhoma, OK
  • Texhoma, TX
  • Turpin
  • Tyrone
  • Yarbrough

TCEC is a member of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. We belong to and are active in our local chamber of commerce, economic development, and civic organizations.  

2023 5 Star Coops Vote

TCEC commits to safely power our communities with innovation, accountability and integrity – every member, every time.

TCEC operates according to the seven cooperative principles. These principles help guide the operations of all co-ops throughout the world. They were first established in 1844 and, while they have gone through a series of changes over the years, these principles still form the basis of the cooperative spirit to this day. 

1. Open and Voluntary Membership
Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.

2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among the membership and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

3. Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4. Autonomy and 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 as well as their unique identity.

5. Education, Training, and Information
Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs.

7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.

Our Values

As a member of Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, TCEC also subscribes to the four core values that are the foundation of service to our members. The four values are:

Innovation

couple looking at machine

Innovation

We offer state-of-the-art technology to better serve members with cutting-edge programs. We forge relationships with members through educational events, web conferences and ongoing communications.

Accountability

district 9 meeting photo of members and trustee

Accountability

Since members own co-ops, they have a say and help chart the course for the business. Every member has an equal voice in running the enterprise. Co-op business is conducted through a locally elected board of directors and an annual meeting where policy is proposed and voted on by members, each having one vote.

Integrity

trucks in field

Integrity

Members first. Every day. That’s the power of membership. Not for-profit electric cooperatives deliver energy to members at the cost of service, this differs from investor-owned utilities that distribute profits to investors not necessarily to those it serves.

Commitment to Community

2023 Future Innovators

Commitment to Community

We work to improve the quality of life in our communities. We donate time, energy and resources to charities, schools and community events and take a leadership role in community development projects.

TCEC Timeline Highlights

1945

Nine individuals form Tri-County Electric Cooperative

1946

Acquired town of Hooker
First billing to 479 residents of Hooker

1947

Acquired seven other Panhandle towns serving rural areas of three counties

1953

Cimarron County added to TCEC service territory

1957

Snow storm in March 23

1979

Winter storm on October 30

2006

Acquisition from Southwestern Public Service - Added Beaver, Boise City, Guymon, Texhoma, Oklahoma and Elkhart, Kansas to TCEC's service area.

2007

Ice storms in late December 2006 and early January 2007

2015

Oklahoma's First Community Solar
New headquarters, 995 Mile 46, Hooker, Oklahoma

2016

GridLiance acquires approximately 40 miles of TCEC's transmission assets

2017

Winter storm in January
Spring blizzard late April, early May

2019

FEMA rebuild started and expected to continue for four years

2020

TCEC celebrates 75 years of service to members
Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affects lives and disrupts business

2021

Operation Round Up program launched in January
Deep Freeze or Winter Storm Uri SPP Rotating Outages in February
TCEC Board Advisory Collegiate Delegate Program and Scholarship established in May