Case Study: Tri-County Electric Cooperative

About Tri-County Electric Cooperative

Tri-County Electric Cooperative was founded in 1940 by a group of neighbors who joined forces to build their own electric system when private power companies refused to serve rural areas. This cooperative spirit continues to define the organization today, as members not only benefit from the electricity and energy services provided but also take an active role in the cooperative’s operations. As a member, each individual is an owner of the cooperative, sharing in both its history and its future.

The cooperative operates under a set of Seven Cooperative Principles that emphasize voluntary membership, democratic control, and community-mindedness. These principles guide Tri-County Electric in its mission to deliver cost-effective and reliable electricity while improving the quality of life for its members and the broader community. With a commitment to values such as honesty, trust, and respect, the cooperative consistently works to serve its members with pride, ensuring that the benefits of the cooperative are shared among all.

Bringing Central South Carolina Up To Speed

Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCE) recognized a growing demand in their rural and underserved service areas for reliable, high-speed internet access, which had become essential for community development, economic growth, and educational opportunities. To meet this need, TCE launched TriCoLink, a wholly owned subsidiary designed to deliver world-class, fiber-to-the-home internet services to all 15,000 members across its service area. TriCoLink aimed to provide symmetrical gigabit internet capabilities, among the fastest in the nation, alongside high-quality phone services. This initiative also promised to enhance TCE’s electrical infrastructure by enabling smart grid capabilities that would improve power outage response times, load balancing, and overall efficiency.

Understanding the importance of reliable broadband for its communities, TCE committed to a $50 million investment to build 1,700 miles of fiber across six counties. The project, planned in three phases over three years, aimed to provide every member within TCE’s service area with access to advanced technology, future-proofing the region’s infrastructure for long-term prosperity.

The Solution

National OnDemand played a critical role in helping Tri-County Electric Cooperative realize its ambitious goals with the TriCoLink project. From the outset, National demonstrated their commitment to the community and the project by quickly integrating into the local workforce, employing local contractors, and ensuring a strong presence within the area. Their ability to stay six months ahead of schedule, despite initial skepticism from local agencies about the feasibility of the project timeline, was a testament to their efficiency and dedication. National’s approach to community involvement and their seamless integration into the cooperative’s operations helped build trust and fostered a positive working relationship.

National OnDemand excelled in managing the project’s logistics and technical aspects. Their expertise in material management and advanced technology ensured smooth operations and kept the project on track. National’s crews were praised for their professionalism, especially in handling in-home installations, a new area for TCE. This enabled Tri-County to deliver high-speed fiber internet and enhance its reputation as a community leader.