Case Study: MidSouth Electric Cooperative

About MidSouth Electric Co-op

MidSouth Electric Cooperative, established in 1940, was born out of the necessity to bring electricity to rural areas where investor-owned utilities found it unprofitable to operate. The cooperative’s initial service delivery began in 1942 with just 94 members. Over the years, MidSouth has expanded its services beyond electricity to include water, solar energy, and fiber internet, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the quality of life and economic health in its service areas.

As a member-owned cooperative, MidSouth operates under seven guiding principles that emphasize voluntary membership, democratic control, economic participation, and community concern. These principles ensure that the cooperative remains autonomous, member-driven, and focused on the sustainable development of the communities it serves. MidSouth continues to prioritize the delivery of essential services at reasonable prices, reinforcing its dedication to the well-being of its members and their communities.

A Need for Speed

MidSouth Electric Cooperative recognized a growing demand for high-speed internet in their service areas, particularly in rural and underserved communities. As a cooperative that had successfully brought electricity to these areas in the 1940s, MidSouth wanted to extend their impact by providing fiber-optic internet. However, the challenge was significant: the cooperative needed to build out a robust fiber infrastructure capable of delivering reliable, high-speed internet to both residential and business customers across a broad and often difficult-to-access geographic region.

The project required not just the laying of fiber optic cables but also careful planning to address landowner concerns, ensure minimal disruption, and complete the build-out in a timely manner. MidSouth also faced the challenge of scaling the project effectively. They needed a partner that could provide a flexible workforce capable of expanding or contracting in response to the dynamic nature of construction schedules and unforeseen challenges. Ensuring high quality and maintaining cost efficiency were paramount, as the cooperative sought to deliver a competitive service that would meet the expectations of their members.

The Solution

National OnDemand, Inc. was brought in to tackle these challenges, providing the expertise and resources needed for successful project execution. From the outset, National offered competitive pricing and the flexibility to quickly mobilize and adjust their workforce as the project evolved, ensuring timelines and quality were maintained. Their commitment to communication and problem-solving, especially with landowners and local concerns, allowed for efficient deployment with minimal disruption. This led to the ahead-of-schedule completion of the fiber infrastructure, positioning MidSouth to deliver top-tier internet services to their community.