Harrison Rural Electrification Association, Inc. (HREA) has been serving the citizens of Harrison, Doddridge, Marion, Taylor, Barbour, Upshur and Lewis Counties since 1937. In the beginning, HREA brought electric service to rural citizens who could not or would not be served by the for-profit electric utilities. Today, HREA continues to serve these areas and as the urban areas continue to grow into the rural areas, we find ourselves in the position to serve developments requiring both residential and commercial load capacity. This growth opportunity hasn’t been seen by the cooperative since the days our initial members went door to door to sign citizens up for electric. The Board, management and employees welcome this growth and strive to continue to provide the highest quality service available.
Who We Are
Quick History
The Rural Electrification Act of 1935 provided federal loans to help create electric co-ops like HREA:
Enabled rural Americans to build and own their own electric networks.
Launched by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal to fight unemployment and modernize rural areas.
Allowed co-ops to buy power wholesale and build their own transmission and distribution lines.
Technical Innovations
In the 1930s, HREA tackled the challenge of powering remote areas:
Upgraded from standard city voltage (2,300V) to 6,900V, enabling longer runs and reducing cost.
Adopted more advanced transformers for each home.
Sent teams of electricians to wire houses and barns, making energy access possible for all.
Milestones in Rural Electrification
Key amendments to the Rural Electrification Act include:
1944: Loan terms increased; act made permanent.
1949: Expansion to rural telephone services.
1993: “Buy American” provision extended to Mexico and Canada.
Today’s Service Area
HREA continues to grow, now providing energy to:
Long-established country homes, farms, and ranches.
New residential neighborhoods and commercial developments.
Every building undergoes thorough quality checks—so members and developers receive only the best.
Why Join HREA?
- Member-owned and community-focused
- Decades of experience serving rural and expanding communities
- Commitment to reliable, affordable electric service
- Welcoming new members and supporting smart growth
