The Cooperative Global Commitment

Co-ops empower communities

In 2017, 59 volunteer linemen from five states traveled to Guatemala and Bolivia to bring first time electricity access to almost 1600 people who live in remote areas in these countries. Most of these electrification projects were sponsored by statewide associations, all with the same goal: To improve the lives of people by bringing them affordable and reliable electricity. Each team traveled to an area to construct line and connect homes with electricity.

INDIANA

Indiana Electric Cooperatives
Where:            Cuilco, Guatemala
The crew:        16 lineworkers, 17 co-ops
They helped:  330 people
THEIR STORY

ILLINOIS

Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives
Where:             Samaipata, Bolivia
The crew:         10 lineworkers, eight co-ops
They helped:   341 people
THEIR STORY

OKLAHOMA

The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives
Where:            Chiis, Guatemala
The crew:        13 lineworkers, 13 co-ops
They helped:   357 people
THEIR STORY

TEXAS

Mid-South Synergy
Where:            Pando, Bolivia
The crew:        17 lineworkers, 6 co-ops
They helped:  687 people
THEIR STORY

MISSOURI

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives
Where:         Chapisirca, Bolivia
The crew:     6 lineworkers from 6 co-ops
The people:  550 people**
**This project was completed in two missions. Another Missouri team left in January 2018 to finish the job.
THEIR STORY

DID YOU KNOW?

It takes about a year from the time a project is initiated to the time it is completed.

These electrification projects are carefully selected by NRECA International staff members located in Guatemala, Bolivia, and Arlington, Virginia.

Before a project is approved, the team evaluates all conditions at each project site to ensure member safety, adequate housing, food service, and safe working conditions for the volunteers.

Once a site is approved, the staff  produces a staking design for the project, which determines what material is needed to complete the work.

NRECA International staff are always on the project site managing the construction project ensuring the wellbeing of the lineworkers.