Cooperative Global Commitment

Co-ops empower communities

In 2018, 68 volunteer linemen from five states traveled to Guatemala, Bolivia and Liberia to bring first time electricity access to almost 3,000 people who live in remote areas in these countries. In Liberia they helped establish a new electric co-op that would eventually serve 1,600 members. 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.

MISSOURI

Association of Missouri Electric Co-ops
Where:            Chapisirca, Bolivia
The crew:        7 lineworkers, 7 co-ops
The people:     370 people
**This project was completed in two missions. Another Missouri team started the job in December, 2017.

THEIR STORY

Boone Electric Cooperative
Where:          Totota, Liberia
The crew:       Two linemen
The people:     1600 people
THE STORY

ARKANSAS

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Association
Where:            Las Tortugas, Guatemala
The crew:        16 lineworkers, 10 co-ops
The people:     470 people
THEIR STORY

OHIO

Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives
Where:         Las Tortugas, Guatemala
The crew:     17 lineworkers, 12 co-ops
The people: 470 people
**This project was started by the Arkansas team earlier in the year. 
THEIR STORY

GEORGIA

Coweta-Fayette EMC
Where:          Tiraque, Bolivia
The crew:       11 lineworkers, 5 co-ops
The people:     40 people
THEIR STORY

OKLAHOMA AND COLORADO

Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives
Colorado Rural Electric Association

Where:            Pie Del Cerro, Guatemala
The crew:        15 lineworkers, 15 co-ops
The people:     490 people

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.