As our country’s economy continues to grow, so too does the demand for reliable electricity. Data centers, new manufacturing facilities and our daily lives are requiring more and more electricity. In fact, U.S. power consumption is expected to rise to record highs this year and next, and the demand for electricity in the U.S. is expected to at least double by 2050. 

Meanwhile, our supply of electricity is already decreasing as always-available power plants are being prematurely shut down. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation has warned 19 states could see rolling blackouts during times of high electrical usage over the next five years. We all know what happens when supply can not meet demand – prices go up, and the lights go off. 

As we prepare for this rising demand, REC is planning ahead to ensure local families and businesses have access to an affordable, reliable supply of electricity.

Meeting the challenge

To meet these challenges, REC is utilizing a balanced mix of always-available energy sources as a safeguard to maintain a reliable energy supply. We are also investing in innovative technologies to bolster grid resilience and enhance data management to improve operational efficiency, expedite outage response times and minimize service disruptions. 

As electricity demand in the U.S. continues to rise, upgrading and building new infrastructure will be critical. This is why REC with the help of Western Farmers Electric Cooperative pool resources and expertise on projects with advance technology, security, infrastructure and innovative energy sources to meet the increasing needs of our communities. 

This collaborative approach is a core strength of REC and enables us to deliver affordable energy to local families and businesses. Our priority is ensuring energy solutions tailored to the unique needs of our community to help it thrive now and in the future. 

REC was built by the community it serves, providing essential services to drive growth and pave the way for an energy future prioritizing reliable electricity at a cost local families and businesses can afford.