Outage Map
Central Electric Cooperative’s (CEC) member survey results are in. The number of members participating in the biennial satisfaction survey reached an all-time high, with 5,066 respondents—a 22% increase from 2023.
Members also generated more than 3,000 comments to express their opinions.
Key Takeaways
- Overall, 71% indicated they were highly satisfied, and 18% were somewhat satisfied, combining for an 89% satisfaction rate, which ranks 13% higher than the national average for electrical cooperatives. See Chart A.
- Members gave CEC slightly improved marks in its performance ratings for all services: reliable service (97%, up 1%); reasonable rates (85%, up 1%); keeping members informed of changes affecting service or rates (90%, up 4%); timely responses to outages (91%, up 3%); knowledgeable and helpful employees (85%, up 2%); and keeping members informed about energy efficiency (90%, up 8%). See Chart B.
- Members ranked system reliability as the most important member benefit.
- Weather conditions, vehicle accidents, and aging power systems were perceived as the top reasons for power outages. In addition, members said wildfires and wildfire prevention efforts, as well as wildlife such as squirrels and birds, also contributed to outages.
- Members ranked residential rates, which are 33% lower than those of the local investor-owned utility, as the second-most important benefit of cooperative membership.
- 84% of members find the cost of CEC electricity is reasonable, consistent with 2023 survey results.
Members weighed in on their preferences for how the cooperative communicates with them, with 56% preferring email. 52% prefer Facebook, 31% for Instagram, and 5% for X—previously known as Twitter—in their choice for social media.
Independent research firm DHM Research of Portland administered the 56-question survey, which took approximately 17 minutes to complete and allowed members to provide anonymous feedback about the co-op.
Central Electric Cooperative thanks everyone who participated in the survey. The survey enables members to express their views on CEC services, helping to guide the cooperative’s strategic direction.
CEC will conduct the next member survey in 2027.
Winners Announced
Central Electric Cooperative congratulates the winners of its recent member survey drawing. Members who took the survey were entered into a drawing to win energy bill credits.
- First place: Jason Knoke and Rebecca French, $500 credit
- Second place: William Arbeiter, $250 credit
- Third place: Ray Engles, $100 credit