Pennyrile Electric and TVA were founded on a mission to serve — through reliable and affordable energy, a safe and protected environment and thriving economic development.
Pennyrile Electric serves over 49,000 members in parts of nine Kentucky counties, including Butler, Caldwell, Christian, Logan, Lyon, Muhlenberg, Simpson, and Trigg.
Brent Gilkey, VP of Member Services and Communications, said providing reliable power to co-op members is a top priority for Pennyrile Electric. The co-op has purchased its power from TVA since 1942. Today, members continue to receive reliable energy, as well as access to many programs made possible by the partnership between Pennyrile Electric and TVA. These include TVA EnergyRight programs such as the DIY Home Energy Assessment and the Home Energy Evaluation, which help residents to improve energy efficiency in their homes.
Pennyrile Electric values all its members, including those who may need additional assistance. Because of this, Pennyrile Electric also participates in TVA EnergyRight’s Home Uplift program to help assist some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Through the Home Uplift program, members who meet income qualifications can receive an energy audit and customized home energy upgrades to help make their homes more efficient and lower their power bills. Home Uplift helps these customers in many ways that improve their quality of life beyond lowering their bills, including better health. It also provides seniors with the opportunity to remain in their home and community comfortably and safely. So far, four homes in the Pennyrile Electric service area have benefitted from TVA Energy Right’s Home Uplift program.
Although most in the service area are residential members, there are also over 5,000 commercial and industrial members. Ongoing economic development and industry incentives are an important focus for Pennyrile Electric. In fact, in 2020, the partnership between Pennyrile Electric and TVA helped to bring in new industry that led to more than 1,700 new jobs. Community Energy is not just about reliable, efficient power. It also means creating jobs to help ensure a strong and stable community and a healthy local economy.
Our energy has fueled progress in our region since 1933. See the ways it's helping shape our future.