Rural electric cooperatives and power sources in the 1950s
The article explains how rural electric systems in the United States supplied over 15 billion kWh in 1954 from private power companies, federal power agencies, local public plants, and farmer owned generating plants. Cooperatives produced about 15 percent of their own needs, funding generation mainly when no other supply exists or to save costs. The Rural Electrification Administration loans are pivotal for cooperatives to build and expand plants, with 171 cooperative generating facilities and 31 loaned to other cooperatives or plans serving 325 member distributions.Projected generation growth depends on federal project availability and the willingness of power companies to sell cost power in nonfederal areas.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Rural Electrification Administration
Joan 10 & Cooper
Prince W Electric Cooperative
Virginia
Tennessee Valley Authority
Organization of
Farmers
TVA
Plains
West
Rural Electrification Helped Farmers Access Cheap Power
The Rural Electrification Administration and TVA spurred rural electric cooperatives to seek low cost power from federal sources. By 1953 federal power made up only 10.6 percent of generation, yet it underpinned farm electrification by enabling affordable, widespread service despite sparse hookups. Farmers supported federal water resources and power projects to keep rates low for homes, barns, and phosphate fertilizer production.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Middle West
Hells Canyon
Snake River
100 Power Uses Found on Farm
A survey shows about 400 productive uses of electricity on farms. Farmers save time and money by using power for production, storage, and processing. Electricity enables climate control with air conditioned pig pens and dairy barns. heat pumps may become common as mass production lowers costs. The National Rural Electrification Association plans to build its headquarters in Washington, ready for occupancy soon.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
National Rural Electroperative Association
Washington
Congressman outlines future of Rural Electrification program
Representative J Francis Shelley voices concern that REA loan programs have ended a miracle but many farms still lack electricity. He argues REA and co operations must expand to deliver more energy for better living and increased efficiency, stressing the task is just beginning.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
J Francis Shelley
Calif
House
REA
Also Mentioned on This Page
Ancher Nelson
Arkansas Valley G and T, Inc
Pueblo
Colorado
Southern Colorado Power Company
Cris L. Schultz
Western Area
Ralph Foreman
U.S
Congress
Grand Coulee
Columbia River
Lumbia River
Yupps. We
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