York Electric Cooperative is proud to serve a diverse membership across the communities in York, Chester, Cherokee and Lancaster counties. When we first were formed in 1941, YEC brought affordable power to farmers and members living in the rural parts of our local areas. Eighty-one years later, your co-op now serves a wide array of members with varying energy needs. From small families and young students to local businesses and large industries, York Electric continues to look out for all members big or small. Every member. Every time.
Your trusted energy advisor
YEC has served the Wright family in Fort Mill since 2008. During this time, they have grown to understand and appreciate the cooperative difference. Describing his family’s experience with the co-op, Todd Wright shares, “Since becoming a member of YEC, I cannot imagine going back to another way of doing business with a for-profit utility that raises rates all the time and has to pay dividends to shareholders.”
In addition to being grateful for receiving Capital Credits as a member, Wright explains he really values the concern we show for our members’ best interests. As an electric vehicle owner and participant in solar energy efforts, Wright says, “I’ve consulted YEC’s Energy Services Representative, Brent Clinton, for advice a lot over the years. It is so refreshing to have someone actually on my side and to not have to listen to another sales pitch when I need guidance.”
As your trusted energy advisor, YEC is your source for power and information to help you make the right decisions for you and your family.
The power of human connections
Building connections and enriching the lives in our communities are values shared by York Electric and local gourmet popcorn business Poppin’ Sweets. Owner Melanie Powell and Store Operator Kevin Wilkerson (pictured) have been on YEC’s lines since 2020 and have been forming relationships through their delicious treats ever since. Powell shares, “Many of the families and customers that visit our store often have existing connections with our Treat Team staff, and we enjoy being able to spread those connections and family culture to everyone around us.”
York Electric is proud to offer local businesses like Poppin’ Sweets the safe, reliable and affordable electricity they need to continue reaching others and running a successful operation.
A focus on education
As your Touchstone Energy Cooperative, York Electric firmly believes our educational efforts can have a far-reaching effect not only for the individuals we help but for the community at large. We first saw the potential in member Cate Tedford when she attended our Washington Youth Tour in 2018.
During her experience on our six-day trip to the nation’s capital, Tedford rose to lead her fellow co-op delegates and learn about the cooperative business model by participating in our Soda-Pop Co-op simulation. A year later, YEC recognized Tedford’s continued dedication and we awarded her a $1,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarship, representing Nation Ford High School. Using the scholarship funds from YEC and leadership experience gained on our Washington Youth Tour, Tedford went on to study Spanish and Philosophy with an emphasis in Law, Liberty, and Justice at Clemson University’s Honors College.
Tedford shares, “I am so grateful for YEC’s role in preparing me for my future and for supporting my goals of higher education.” Tedford is currently studying abroad at the University of Alicante on the Southeast coast of Spain and plans to attend law school after graduation.
YEC continues to assist students like Tedford in their higher education and personal development goals each year through our educational trips and scholarship opportunities.
Industry and economic development
Elkem Silicones is located in YEC’s East York Industrial Park and has been providing local jobs and helping hold down power costs for members for over a decade. As one of York Electric’s largest member accounts, Elkem Silicones plays a significant role in the rates we provide for all members. Industries like Elkem Silicones use power in consistent amounts and during off-peak times and serve as an example of why YEC invests in economic development in our area. These qualities enable us to purchase power at a lower cost, which in turn, allows us to pass on the savings to the rest of our membership and provide quality jobs for our local members.
After a 37-year career of serving as an operations director for Elkem Silicones and predecessor companies, Dave Beaty is entering retirement next month. As Beaty reflects on his time with Elkem Silicones and on his relationship with YEC, he shares, “York Electric has always been very informative and open for collaboration. We’ve benefitted greatly from YEC’s energy-saving efforts, such as changing our security lights to LEDs, as well as from incentives to assist in capacity expansion.”
Here at YEC, we ensure lines of communication are always open and assistance remains available for all our members, no matter their size.
YEC would like to congratulate Beaty on his successful career, wish him the best in retirement and thank him for his years of dedicated service.
Affordable, reliable service
Herb Smith has been a member of YEC for nearly 25 years. Since moving to Rock Hill in 1997, Smith has enjoyed being a co-op member for our affordable rates, reliable power and our community outreach. Smith explains, “When I lived in New England, my power cost more than double what it currently does, and power outages were frequent. Since becoming a member of YEC, I have thoroughly appreciated the affordability and consistency York Electric offers.”
Smith has also taken advantage of YEC’s community events, like our Annual Member Appreciation Shred Day. “I attend YEC’s Member Appreciation Shred Day event each year and have never missed one,” Smith says. “I look forward to mingling with other members as well as YEC employees at this event and appreciate the co-op offering an easy, secure solution for my personal document shredding needs.”
Concern for community is an important part of YEC, and we value the opportunity to provide members a co-op they can always rely on.
Save the Date: We’ll give you the credit–for participating in your Cooperative’s Annual Meeting–a $15 electric bill credit! The Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, May 10th at York Electric’s main office in York. Each member who is present and registers will receive a $15 credit on their electric bill and have the opportunity to win valuable prizes. We look forward to seeing you there!
The world leader in online photography is opening a 300,000-square-foot production and service center in Fort Mill. Shutterfly, Inc. will eventually employ more than 600 workers in the facility, scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2013. Capital investment at the facility is projected to be $60 million.