About Us

Formed in 1939 with a loan from the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SWECI) is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative located in southwestern Illinois. Southwestern Electric Cooperative serves more than 22,000 residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial member accounts in parts of Bond, Clinton, Fayette, Effingham, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Montgomery, Shelby and St. Clair Counties.

The cooperative, headquartered in Greenville, Illinois, maintains nearly 3,500 miles of power line and employs more than 80 people. Southwestern Electric also owns a subsidiary company—Propane Plus—and 47-megawatt peaking plant.

Southwestern Electric's board of directors has worked diligently to reduce the cost of service by buying wholesale power at competitive prices so that retail rates remain stable. At the same time, our cooperative works to increase its membership base by promoting residential, commercial and industrial development, thereby spreading out the fixed cost of service.

Statement of Objectives

Southwestern Electric Cooperative exists to serve its members in the best manner possible. The cooperative will:

  • Strive to provide the best possible service to all members within its service territory.
  • Provide energy at the lowest sustainable prices while holding true to the highest standards of service.
  • Develop a stable financial structure, maintain a sound organization, and train leadership on a long-range basis.
  • Promote the safe and efficient use of electricity, electrical appliances, and electrical equipment.
  • Work to stimulate and support initiatives that will promote economic development.
  • Keep members informed about the organization’s operations, plans, problems and progress.
  • Develop the democratic process as it applies to members, encouraging their participation in cooperative affairs.
  • Ensure that no person shall—regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin—be barred from participating in the cooperative’s democratic process.
  • Develop understanding and support of cooperative objectives, plans and programs.
  • Provide leadership and cooperate with community and civic groups in fostering programs that contribute to the area’s development.
  • Work to improve the standard of living for all members.