Sam Houston Electric Cooperative (SHECO) has been powering communities and empowering Co-op members since 1939.
The Cooperative is guided by an 11-member Board of Directors representing our member-owners. See a service territory map and learn more about our facilities and substations.
8681
miles of power lines
177211
power poles
12
meters per mile
44
substations
employees
165
Our Mission
Power Communities. Improve Lives. Serve With Excellence.
The Story of the Star
The 3-dimensional star in our logo has special meaning. Modeled after the star that sits atop the San Jacinto Monument honoring Sam Houston, the man, the star in our logo symbolizes what Sam Houston Electric Cooperative is all about.
We have more than 75 years of heritage in East Texas
We are committed to providing reliable and affordable service
We work hard to uphold our vision to serve the best interests of our member-owners
The Cooperative Way
Electric cooperatives are leaders, delivering power and light to 42 million consumers in 47 states—more than 75% of the nation’s landmass.
Our way of doing business is special because we are owned by the consumers we serve and because we are guided by a set of 7 guiding principles that reflect the best interests of our consumers.
1. Voluntary & Open Membership
Membership in a cooperative is open to all persons 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. Elected representatives (i.e. directors) are elected from among the membership and are accountable to the membership. 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 & 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, & Information
Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors), 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, helps 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 History
Electric cooperatives were created to serve the best interests of their member-owners, and that’s exactly what Sam Houston Electric Cooperative does.
The Early Years
In the early 1930s, the vast rural areas of America did not have access to the wonders of electricity. During this time, less than 3% of rural Americans received the benefits of electric service.
After the signing of the Rural Electrification Act on May 21, 1936, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the “REA Movement” spread rapidly throughout the nation. The stories of the early days of rural electrification are much the same across the nation, with local men and women petitioning, educating, and organizing their neighbors to demand electric service.
Founding Sam Houston
Sam Houston Electric Cooperative’s original founders first met on Aug. 27, 1938, in Polk County to plan their cooperative. On May 16, 1939, they received a charter from the State of Texas, and Sam Houston Electric Cooperative Inc. was born.
Growing Strong
After obtaining an REA loan, the Co-op began construction of its first power lines, 242.86 miles, on Jan. 15, 1940, which would serve 661 members in Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, and Liberty Counties. The power at that time came from Gulf States Utility Company to a substation in Goodrich.
By 1943, Sam Houston EC had 1,306 members. In 1951, that number jumped to 7,500 consumers and 2,300 miles of line. Today, Sam Houston EC maintains 6,000 miles of line serving more than 56,000 members in parts of 10 counties.
The Value of Electricity
Electricity didn’t just make life easier for our early members, electricity made life safer and more productive. Electricity allowed for food to be cooked without a fire, thus decreasing the amount of fires in rural areas. It also allowed for food to be safely stored in refrigerators. Prior to refrigerators, rural families would kill their hogs and chickens just before cooking them.
Rural families were accustomed to the lifestyle before electricity, it was normal for them. Those thoughts led some to believe that electricity was a luxury, something only the rich people or city folk had.
Ms. Bobbie and Allen Powell, Jr. were some of our very first members in Walker County. The Powells were the first to have electricity in their area, but it didn’t come right away. They bought a stove for around $200. In today’s market, that stove would cost nearly 10 times that amount. Their new stove sat in a box in a corner of their house for 2 years, waiting for lines to be built.
Today
Today, our member-owners can’t imagine life without electricity. It keeps homes comfortable, no matter the season. Food can be stored, refrigerated, and then reheated in a matter of seconds in microwaves. Smartphones are charged daily, and allow connectivity to the internet so we can contact family and friends across the world. Even life-sustaining medical equipment allows our member-owners to live in comfort in their homes instead of in a hospital.
Sam Houston EC strives to provide outstanding service that each of our members deserves to power the life they want to live.
Looking Towards the Future
The Cooperative has returned to our roots in some ways to power our member-owners for the next 80 years as the R.C. Thomas Hydroelectric Facility at Lake Livingston will provide a clean and renewable energy source. The Cooperative also provides wind-generated power to our members and we look to other alternative sources of energy to remain a leader in the industry.
Our members are our partners. We provide and maintain quality electric service at the lowest possible cost. Sam Houston EC’s mission, as set forth by our Board of Directors, is to achieve member satisfaction by providing safe, reliable services at competitive prices and to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve, utilizing an exceptional workforce, while maintaining financial stability.