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Our History
Mid-1930’s
Before Rural Electric Membership Corporations
- 9 out of 10 rural homes were without electric service.
- Farmers milked their cows by hand in the dim light of a kerosene lantern. The farmers wives were slave to the wood range and washboard.
- The unavailability of electricity in rural areas kept their economies entirely and exclusively dependent on agriculture.
- Factories and businesses preferred to locate in cities where electric power was easily acquired.
- For many years, power companies ignored the rural areas of the nation.
1933 to 1935
Rural Electrification Administration
- In 1933 when President Franklin Roosevelt took office, he recognized the need in our rural communities.
- In 1935 he signed Executive Order No. 7037 establishing the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), which offered federal assistance to accomplish rural electrification.
- It became important for the rural communities to work together to form not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperatives and shed light on the country side.
April 1936
Formation of Henry County
- In April 1936, Henry County REMC (HCREMC) was formed and incorporated after 13 local farmers were elected by the rural community to serve as board members for the HCREMC.
- On behalf of the membership, board members were to conduct business in efforts to provide reliable and affordable electricity.
- On August 26, 1936, HCREMC board members signed a construction loan contract with the REA for $413,000.
- Soon after, materials were purchased, utility poles were erected and electrical equipment was installed.
- The board of directors opened a headquarters on Broad Street in New Castle, IN next to the New Castle City Water and Light Plant.
January 1939
First Farm Illuminated
- In January of 1939 the first Henry County farm was illuminated.
Today
Henry County REMC Today
- HCREMC continues to provide reliable, safe and cost-competitive electrical service to enhance the lives of our members and the communities we serve.
- We are non-profit and focused on long-term stability and value delivered to you.
- Our success is measured by your overall satisfaction and your satisfaction is our profit.