Central Electric Cooperative (CEC) is a non-profit electric cooperative. Our office headquarters is located in Parker, Pa. Our purpose is to enhance the quality of life for our members and consumers by providing energy, products, and services, which fulfill needs and create value. We are committed to integrity, accountability, innovation, technology and community. We serve approximately 25,000 members in portions of Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Forest, Mercer and Venango counties with over 3,200 miles of distribution line. Click on the map to view a larger version. 
The cooperative was organized on July 12, 1937, a time when cities across the nation were just beginning to enjoy the luxury of electricity as homes, businesses, schools, and streets turned their lights on for the first time. However, many rural Americans did not have this comfort.
Fortunately, the federal government recognized the importance of providing electricity to rural areas and in 1935 the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was formed. The REA offered low-cost loans to build transmission and generation facilities. Rural electric cooperatives formed rapidly throughout the nation, taking advantage of low-financing rates. With the help of a loan from the REA, Central Electric began construction of a rural electric distribution system.
Learn About Our Mission.
View the Electric Consumer Bill of Rights.
View Our Rates.
Who owns the cooperative?
The cooperative is owned by our members. Central Electric borrows 70 percent of its money from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), formerly the Rural Electrification Administration, and the remaining 30 percent from the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) to build its lines.
View the Members’ Handbook
Who is in charge?
The cooperative is managed by CEO and General Manager, Matthew Boshaw, who was selected by, and responsible to the board of directors. He carries out day-to-day operations following policies set by the board. Board directors are elected by the members.
How do members elect their board members?
The cooperative has an Annual Meeting on the fourth Friday in August, at Whitehall Camp & Conference Center, near Emlenton, Pa. The meeting is required by law and gives members the opportunity to elect their directors, and to hear and evaluate reports on the operation of the business enterprise they own.
Our Mission
Central Electric Cooperative will enhance the quality of life for its members and its consumers by providing energy, products, and services, which fulfill needs and create value. We are committed to integrity, accountability, innovation, technology and community.
