Jump River Electric evolves to continue meeting needs

Just like all co-ops, Jump River Electric Cooperative (JREC) was created out of necessity – to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet.

A group of Jump River neighbors banded together in 1938, to organize an electric coop. For a membership fee of $5, farmers, cheesemakers, merchants and those living in the rural community, could get electricity brought to their homes and farms, working together for the benefit of the whole community.

JREC grew from 179 members, when its system was energized in 1940, to over 8,600 members currently. The cooperative maintains over 1,790 miles of distribution line that spans over six counties, including Chippewa, Rusk, Taylor, Barron, Price and Sawyer.

To date, JREC holds a passion for serving their members and helping the local communities thrive. People may have heard monthly electric bills referred to as “light bills,” and that is because those who received power in the 1940s, did so primarily to add lights to their homes and barns.

A member of JREC shared a story a few years ago, of how their grandfather wired their home to be able to energize one light bulb in their kitchen, as he was sure that it was going to blow when they flipped the switch on…but it didn’t. More lights were added and appliances years later.

According to the Energy Information Agency, the typical U.S. household now uses more air conditioning, appliances and consumer electronics, than ever before. The average home also contains 10 or more internet- connected devices, so, it truly is no longer just the “light bill.”

“In today’s high-tech electronic world that we live in, it’s more important than ever, to provide safe, reliable electricity to our members,” said JREC interim general manager Mike Schaefer.

While the history of this cooperative may be forgotten by many, key parts of their heritage remain – the focus on their mission and serving the greater good. Serving the greater good is exactly why this electric utility is in the internet business. High-speed, reliable internet is an increasingly critical tool that nearly one in five rural Americans still lack access to.

“Viasat is our answer to helping bridge the rural broadband gap,” said Schaefer.

This past year, JREC played a part in the creation of CHARGE-EV, LLC, an electric vehicle (EV) charging network created by 30 electric cooperatives. The network includes over 30 charging stations, including at JREC’s Ladysmith and Hayward offices, helping eliminate range anxiety for those who own, or hope to own, an EV. Going above and beyond is what JREC strives for, and why they offer high school and non-traditional scholarships to their members, youth programs, electrical safety demonstrations, food and school supply drives, and an array of programs that help members conserve energy, with Energy Sense rebates. Those interested in renewable energy can also join the Evergreen program.

Members enrolled in the Community Cents program provide a helping hand to their neighbors, by simply using their change to make a change. Participating members agree to have their bills rounded up to the nearest dollar, with funds returned to community organizations and non-profits.

Speaking of non-profits, JREC is a notfor- profit, so any profit made is returned to the members in the form of capital credits. This year, JREC will return more than $438,000 in capital credits to its members. This brings the capital credits returned throughout the years, to more than $9.2 million –proof that being a co-op member pays off.

National Co-op Month only happens once a year, so JREC is celebrating their members with two drive-thru events. A fall picnic drive-thru will be held for members with brats, chips, milk and ice cream served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15, at the Ladysmith office.

JREC, and other community organizations and businesses, have joined together to hold a Trunk-or-Treat drive-thru event Friday, Oct. 29, from 4-7 p.m. Follow the signs once at the Ladysmith headquarters and the treats will be brought to the car.

As a reflection of their local communities and their evolving needs, JREC views their role as a catalyst for good and making this corner of the world a better place. By working together, as a community, JREC has built more than miles and miles of lines, and poles; they’ve built a community in northern Wisconsin, and they’re proud to serve their members every day.