Mountain Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MEC) is a member-owned electric cooperative founded on April 1, 1941, to serve the rural communities of Northeast Tennessee and Northwest North Carolina. With its corporate headquarters in Mountain City, TN, and additional offices in Newland, NC and Roan Mountain, TN, MEC is committed to providing reliable electricity and utility-related services to approximately 36,600 residential and business members across a sprawling 700 square mile service area. The cooperative sources its electricity from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), ensuring its members receive quality power at affordable rates.
MEC was established in response to the insufficiency of power services available in rural regions, where many residents were left without reliable electricity. By purchasing local utility assets over the years, including the East Tennessee Light & Power Company in 1945, MEC expanded its service region, striving to ensure that all members, regardless of their location, have access to electricity at equitable rates.
The cooperative emphasizes community involvement, offering numerous programs geared towards energy efficiency, economic development, and education, including its Energy Right Solutions and Heat Pump Program. MEC actively participates in improving the lives of its members through charitable initiatives and educational outreach, aiming to foster a positive impact on local communities. Current initiatives include the enhancement of its meter reading system and the construction of a new substation in Mountain City, designed to replace the outdated infrastructure from the 1950s.
Throughout its history, MEC has focused on community support and sustainable practices, striving to meet the evolving needs of its members while contributing to the overall well-being of the region. With approximately 85 dedicated employees and a commitment to service excellence, Mountain Electric Cooperative continues to be an integral part of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina's energy landscape.
