Rural Electric Cooperatives

Reclaiming Rural Electric Cooperatives for a Just Future

Rural Electric Cooperatives (RECs) are the second-largest cooperative sector in the US, providing power to 42 million Member-owners. Born from the New Deal, they hold immense potential for democracy and community wealth. But that promise has yet to be fully realized.

Shareable, in partnership with the Rural Power Coalition (RPC), is helping member-owners reclaim their co-ops to spread democracy, improve lives, and act on the climate crisis.

Since 2021, Shareable has been a core partner to RPC, working to elevate rural communities as leaders of a just clean energy transition. Our work includes:

• Managing Communications
• Training member-owners & allied organizations
• Coalition building & engagement

A Historic Win—And What’s Next
RPC and rural advocates recently secured the biggest investment in rural electrification in US history through the Inflation Reduction Act. This includes nearly $10 billion of federal funding for clean energy projects that could leverage a $40+ billion investment in a Just Transition for rural communities.

Now, with the new presidential administration, we must ensure our rural neighbors achieve the full benefits Congress promised.

How You Can Help Build People-Powered Energy

1. Get Informed.

• Watch: Start with the short film, “Power to the People: The Story of RECs”.
• Read: Explore our ongoing REC article and video coverage.
• Learn Deeply: Access recordings from our 9-week REC Co-Lab series.

2. Take Action.

• Advocate: Use our easy tool to write your congressional representatives.
• Join: Add your organization to the 250+ groups that have signed on to our campaigns.
• Organize: If you’re a co-op member, join our upcoming Member-Owner Training Series and use our Electric Cooperative Organizing Toolkit.

3. Stay Connected.

• Sign up for the Rural Power Coalition newsletter for action alerts and updates.

Have questions? Reach out to aaron@shareable.net to talk to a human.