JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Sequatchee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC), headquartered in South Pittsburg, has been serving as the Sequatchie Valley’s main proprietor of electrical power for nearly a century.
First forming in 1936 by a group of community members seeking to bring electricity to the valley, SVEC since has expanded into the valley’s leading electrical company. Kari Crouse, Vice President of Communication and Business Strategy for SVEC, explained the company serves a near 40,000 members, the company’s services spanning across the entirety of the valley.
“There was a group of farmers, bankers, and community members who saw a need for electricity in their rural area. And they worked together to form Sequatchee Valley Electric,” said Crouse. “It has since evolved into what it is today.”
SVEC provides power to residents and businesses within Marion, Grundy, Sequatchie, and Bledsoe Counties, as well as customers across five other counties surrounding the region. In addition to power, SVEC also provides internet and propane via Sequatchee Valley Propane and Sequatchee Valley Electric Connect (SVEConnect). The company’s propane services began in 2000, while its internet provisions started in 2018. However, because of state regulations, SVEC is only allowed to provide broad band to those not subscribed with other telephone cooperatives.
“We’re confined to the bounds of most of Marion County. There’s a few areas we don’t have because they’re served by other telephone cooperatives,” explained Crouse. “So we can’t infringe on those areas.”
Crouse explained one of the key ideals which makes SVEC standout from other Tennessee power companies is its emphasis on the community. Unlike other companies, SVEC is a non-profit based organization, meaning no shareholders are paid or dividends are handed out. Rather, SVEC covers all costs out-of-pocket to keep services afloat. Any additional funds saved goes directly back to the community through sponsorships, youth programs, and donations towards other non-profit organizations.
“We also have SVECares, which is our roundup program, and our members have the opportunity to opt in to rounding up their bill each month. And those funds go back to individuals and non-profit organizations that are doing big things in our community,” said Crouse.
SVEC has a variety of offices spread out across all main counties located within the Sequatchie Valley, ranging as far north as Pikeville in Bledsoe County. Currently, the company is looking ahead to offer Generac brand generators to its growing list of members, in addition to upgrading the electrical infrastructure to keep up with the growing influx of new residents calling the area home. These goals are to help not only ensure the company’s evolution within the energy industry, but also continue supporting the surrounding communities with their power, propane, and internet needs for decades to come.