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An SREC Timeline

2022 is Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative’s 85th anniversary. The timeline below shows some of the major milestones throughout the Co-op’s long history. For more insight into the story of SREC, rural electrification, and our local history, follow us on Facebook and Twitter for weekly #ThrowbackThursday posts! Each weekly post will also be added to our website on the 85th Anniversary Timeline.

1900

By the turn of the century, some areas of Sussex County, such as Sussex Boro, had electric power, but the electric utility of the time would not extend service to local farmers for a reasonable cost.

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1935

An Executive Order from President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the rural Electrification Administration. This New Deal measure was made to help rural residents obtain the modern necessity of electricity.

1936

FDR signs the Rural Electrification Act. Committees are appointed throughout the nation, including in Sussex County, to survey the territory and gauge interest in forming electric cooperatives to serve rural citizens.

1937

March 7 - Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative is formed.

April - SREC qualifies for an REA loan of $134,000

May 7 - The first SREC Board of Directors meets and awards a contract for construction of 128 miles of electric lines.

July 8 - SREC's system is energized and the first members get electric power for the first time.

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1941

Thanks to the REA, 30% of farms nationwide now have electricity.

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1955

90% of farms nationwide now have electricity.

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1959

SREC begins printing its first newsletter, Watts New on the High Point Circuit.

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1972

SREC becomes a part-owner of Allegheny Electric Cooperative, a power provider for Pennsylvania's electric cooperatives.

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1975

SREC joins the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, the statewide organization of PA"s electric cooperatives.

1976

Growth in electric usage, but not SREC membership, causes demand to exceed supply. After blackouts on Thanksgiving Day the previous year, SREC makes several significant upgrades to its system.

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1995

SREC moves to its current office located at 64 County Route 639 in Sussex.

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1998

The first issue of Currents is published by SREC.

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2012

Hurricane Sandy hits Sussex County. Initially, all SREC members were affected by this storm. Due to damage the storm caused, full restoration took about a week.

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2017

SREC's Board of Directors appoints Chris Reese as President and CEO.

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2022

SREC celebrates its 85th anniversary.