The idea of electricity was slow to arrive to the nation’s rural areas, but when it did, it transformed rural society forever. Farmers from across the country and their neighbors joined together for the purpose of bring electricity to much of rural America for the first time – and the pathway for electric cooperatives was paved. For more than 80 years, Clark Energy and Jackson Energy have adhered to their member-focus mission, while providing safe, reliable, and affordable electrical service to thousands of their members in east-central and south-central Kentucky. Together, both cooperatives serve more than 83,000 members and maintain over 8,000 miles of line and infrastructure throughout their service territories.
Concern for Community is one of the seven Cooperative Principles that guide the business practices of both Clark Energy and Jackson Energy. They are proud to be able to give back to the communities they serve through education and training. Both cooperatives are honored to be a partner of the Estill County School System and a supporter of their Area Technology Center (ATC) by pledging $15,000 to be used for the funding and equipment needs of the industrial and commercial electrical training lab. In addition, Jackson Energy’s financial institution, CoBank, through their Sharing Success Program, donated $1,500 to the Estill County Area Technology Center.
“What a privilege to be able to invest in such a great asset – our youth. The Estill County Area Technology Center will offer the support and technical education necessary to train students with a hands-on approach as they learn the necessary skills associated with the electrical industry,” said Jackson Energy President & CEO Carol Wright. Clark Energy President & CEO Chris Brewer shared, “This was a project we knew we wanted to support from the onset. These students will be given ample opportunities to advance their education through state-of-the-art technology and implement their career pathways right here at home.”