The Missoula Electric Cooperative, INC was formed on December 1936 originally as an association. It wasn’t until July in 1939 that the association began considering changing to a cooperative. It began with a loan approval in October 1936 for $77,000. This loan was originally intended to serve 326 members by laying 72 miles of line through Lolo, Clinton, and Frenchtown. Ten dollars was the original price set for each share of stock. The board of directors were elected in March 1936 and included five members. In August 1937 the board hired the first superintendent to operate the cooperative. In Spring 1938 the first lines were powered. At this time the cooperative was serving 125 members.

Today the Missoula Electric Cooperative is divided into seven districts. Each of the districts has a representative on the Board of Trustees. The board meetings are held on the thiird Tuesday of every month. The mission of Missoula Electric Cooperative is to provide reliable, economical electric service to our members in an environmentally and socially responsible manner with sound cooperative business principles. The Cooperative will also endeavor to provide other reliable, cost effective products and services consistent with sound business principles.

The cooperative annual meetings are usually held on the third Saturday in March. At these meetings, members are able to vote for their Board of Trustees and to become informed with the performance of the cooperative. One may become a member with an identification, a meter number, a meter reading, a credit check or security deposit, and by filling out an application form.

For more information on Missoula Electric Cooperative, visit their website at www.missoulaelectric.com