Our History

Nueces Electric Cooperative (NEC) is a community focused electric cooperative. We are led by consumers like you and we were built by the communities we serve. Founded in 1938, today NEC serves over 19,000 electric meters for consumers in eight South Texas counties.

In 2005, NEC became the first electric cooperative to voluntarily deregulate. We are the only deregulated electric Co-op in Texas and only one of a handful in the United States. NEC came up with the idea in 1999 and NEC voted to give consumers like you a choice to choose your own power provider in 2000. In 2005 NEC officially introduced NEC Co-op Energy, the Co-op's competitive retail division. Today, NEC Co-op Energy serves the retail electric needs of over 33,000 members across Texas.  

During this time, NEC continued to move forward. Technology was changing fast. Computers, software, cell phones and other communication devices quickly came into the utility market. From design to GIS; from meters to billing; NEC strives to keep up to date with technology which allows the Co-op to provide reliable and cost-effective electric service. 

In 2008, NEC was granted a $50 million Navy Contract to build and maintain the power lines at Naval Air Station Kingsville and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. It was the first Navy contract awarded to an electric cooperative in the nation. Since then, NEC and both NAS fields have enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership. NEC has been proud to participate in Navy activities such as the Wings Over South Texas Air Show and the welcoming of several Commanding Officers.  

Since the co-op's inception, NEC has worked hard to be a good community partner. After all, that is the co-op way and one of our 7 Cooperative Principles. For years we have enjoyed participation in area Livestock Shows and County Fairs. We provide free safety presentations to elementary schools as well youth programs and scholarship opportunities for high school juniors and seniors. Each year, the Ramiro De La Paz Memorial Scholarship Programs awards area youth with funds for college and sends several students to Washington D.C. with the NRECA Youth Tour program. Since 1997, thanks to the generosity of members who round-up their electric bill to the nearest dollar, Nueces Electric Charities has distributed over $1.5 million to area non-profits who help provide a better quality of life to members. In 1999, NEC brought the first American Cancer Society Relay For Life event to the Coastal Bend. Since that event, ACS was able to derive dozens of events that now take place through the Coastal Bend and NEC continues to support several through sponsorship and a local team. Giving back to the community is the cooperative way. 

Being a member of NEC, your member-owned electric cooperative, will make you proud. You will enjoy all the Co-op has to offer including; membership-only events; the Annual Meeting where you have dinner with your elected Board of Directors an hear financial reports; youth programs such as scholarships, Washington D.C. trips, field trips and most importantly, money back through capital credits.

Welcome to NEC! Please don't hesitate to contact us anytime and be sure to keep up with co-op happenings using this website, monthly bill inserts, the monthly Texas Co-op Power Magazine (center 8 pages), or Facebook.