Pennyrile Electric Cooperative Corporation (PECC) is a non-profit electric utility serving more than 47,000 members across 9 counties in western Kentucky, including Christian, Todd, Trigg, and parts of Caldwell and Muhlenberg counties.
Unlike for-profit power companies, Pennyrile Electric is a member-owned cooperative, meaning the people it serves are also its shareholders. Every customer is a “member-owner” with the right to vote on decisions and elect board members.
This co-op model emphasizes local control, community investment, and fair pricing — values that still resonate in 2025, especially in areas where rural residents are underserved by corporate providers.
History & Founding
Founded in 1937 under the Rural Electrification Act, Pennyrile Electric was born from a simple but powerful idea: bring reliable electricity to rural areas that private companies ignored.
In its earliest days, PECC built the first lines to serve farmers and rural homes — often stringing miles of wire for just a handful of customers. Fast forward to today, and it operates over 5,000 miles of line, delivering power with some of the highest reliability ratings in the region.
Pennyrile’s legacy is one of local progress — growing from lantern-lit barns to fully modern smart grids without ever losing its commitment to community.
Services Provided by Pennyrile Electric
PECC offers more than just standard electric service. Over time, it has evolved to meet the modern needs of both homeowners and businesses.
Here’s what members can access:
🔋 Core Services:
- Residential and Commercial Electricity
- Meter upgrades with real-time usage tracking
- SmartHub app for mobile payments and usage alerts
- 24/7 Emergency Outage Response
🌟 Value-Added Options:
- Surge protection equipment rentals
- Security and area lighting installations
- Prepaid electric billing — perfect for flexible budget control
- Levelized billing to avoid seasonal spikes
This diverse service menu gives members more than power — it offers flexibility, control, and transparency.
Service Area & Coverage Map
Pennyrile Electric’s service footprint covers a broad swath of western Kentucky — mostly rural, but increasingly suburban and industrial in some pockets.
Key Coverage Areas:
- Christian County (including Hopkinsville)
- Todd & Trigg Counties
- Parts of Logan, Lyon, Caldwell, and Muhlenberg
With over 5,000 miles of line, the co-op supports both homes and large operations like poultry farms, manufacturing plants, and schools.
📍 Pro Tip: The official website offers a ZIP code search to verify whether your property is within Pennyrile’s service zone.
What Does It Mean to Be a Pennyrile Member?
At Pennyrile, you’re not just a customer — you’re an owner.
Here’s what that really means:
🔐 Member Rights:
- Vote in board elections
- Receive annual financial reports
- Participate in annual meetings
🎁 Member Benefits:
- Capital credits — shared profits paid back to members
- Access to exclusive rebates & assistance programs
- Local office support, not outsourced call centers
This democratic structure ensures your voice matters, and that profits go back to the people — not shareholders.
Contact, Office Locations & Payment Options
Whether you prefer paying bills online or walking into a local branch, Pennyrile offers multiple ways to stay connected.
📍 Office Locations:
- Main Office: Hopkinsville, KY
- Branch Locations: Cadiz Branch Office, Elkton Branch Office. Russellville Office Dawson Springs Office, Henderson Office (limited service), Providence Area Service Point
💳 Payment Methods:
- Online via SmartHub (app or browser)
- Auto-draft or recurring payments
- In-person kiosks and drop boxes
- Pay-by-phone with automated prompts
Plus, members can call (270) 886-2555 24/7 for outage reports, billing help, or service updates.
💡 Bonus: The SmartHub app allows you to monitor daily usage trends, report outages instantly, and receive push alerts.
Pennyrile Electric Outages – How They’re Handled
Power outages in rural areas can be especially disruptive — but Pennyrile Electric has invested heavily in both infrastructure and communication tools to reduce downtime.
🛠️ Outage Tools & Support:
- Outage Map: View real-time updates on PECC’s online map
- SmartHub Reporting: Submit issues through the mobile app or online dashboard
- Phone Hotline: 24/7 at (270) 886-2555
⚡ Fast Response:
- Crews are stationed throughout the service area for rapid deployment
- Advanced metering helps detect faults faster than customer calls
📱 Tip for Members:
Always keep your account number saved to speed up outage reporting and receive automated alerts about restoration status.
Careers at Pennyrile Electric – Working Behind the Wires
Looking for a meaningful job in energy? Pennyrile offers stable, community-focused employment with strong benefits.
🚧 Common Roles:
- Lineworkers
- Engineering Technicians
- Customer Service Reps
- IT & Cybersecurity Staff
🎓 Entry-Level & Student Opportunities:
- Paid internships for high school and college students
- Lineman training and apprenticeship partnerships
🌟 Company Culture:
- Locally rooted
- Family-friendly work environment
- Participation in community events & safety outreach
📌 Search for jobs via Pennyrile’s website or local boards like Indeed.
Education & Youth Engagement
Pennyrile Electric doesn’t just power homes — it invests in young minds, too.
🧑🎓 Youth Programs:
- Scholarships for high school seniors pursuing college or technical school
- Washington Youth Tour – a fully funded trip for students to explore democracy in action
- Classroom presentations about electrical safety and energy use
Educators often partner with PECC to bring real-world utility knowledge into STEM and civic classes.
Rebates & Energy Efficiency Programs
Pennyrile supports smarter energy use through financial incentives and resources.
💡 Programs for Members:
- Home Energy Audits – Learn where your house is losing power
- Rebates – For ENERGY STAR® appliances, heat pumps, water heaters
- Seasonal Tips – Winterizing and summer cooling guides
🌿 Why It Matters:
- Reduces monthly bills
- Lessens strain on the grid
- Supports eco-conscious living without sacrificing comfort
🌟 Savings without lifestyle change — that’s the real value.
Billing Help & Assistance Programs
Whether you’re facing a temporary setback or just prefer a predictable bill, PECC offers multiple ways to stay on track.
💰 Member Assistance Options:
- Budget Billing: Level out seasonal spikes into equal monthly payments
- Prepay Program: Pay-as-you-go electricity with no deposits
- LIHEAP: Federal aid for qualified low-income households
🧾 Payment Flexibility:
- Auto-draft & online pay
- Pay-by-phone
- Local kiosks & in-person counters
Financial stress is real — Pennyrile’s transparent and flexible options give breathing room without surprises.
Green Initiatives & Sustainability
While Pennyrile is still primarily fossil-fuel dependent (via TVA supply), it encourages members to explore renewable options responsibly.
🌞 Current Green Features:
- Solar Net Metering – Install solar panels and earn credits on your bill
- EV (Electric Vehicle) Support – Talk to PECC about charger compatibility
- Smart Grid Expansion – Future plans to improve efficiency & responsiveness
Though not the greenest utility yet, PECC is stepping into the future with member-first transparency about what’s possible and practical.
Legal Oversight & Transparency
As a public cooperative, Pennyrile Electric is accountable — not just to regulators, but to its members.
🧭 Governance:
- Board of Directors elected by the co-op membership
- Annual reports and open meetings available on request
⚖️ Regulatory Bodies:
- Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC)
- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as the main power supplier
📢 If you have concerns about rate changes or service policies, members have the power to vote and voice opinions.
Real Member Reviews & Sentiment
What are people actually saying about Pennyrile Electric?
⭐ Positive Mentions:
- “Local crew showed up during the storm within 40 minutes — amazing!”
- “The SmartHub app made tracking my usage easy and accurate.”
- “Capital credits paid back every year — love that I’m not just a customer.”
😟 Common Concerns:
- “Wish they’d add more renewable energy options.”
- “Prepay system isn’t ideal for households with variable incomes.”
- “Outages sometimes happen without text alerts.”
🗣️ Overall, reviews across Google and Facebook skew positive, with the biggest praise for outage response and community feel.
Final Thoughts – Why Pennyrile Still Matters
If you live in western Kentucky, you likely can’t choose your power provider — but with Pennyrile Electric, that’s not a bad thing.
You’re part of a co-op that:
- Keeps costs fair
- Responds quickly
- Pays attention to your voice
Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or student, knowing how your utility operates means fewer surprises and more control.
FAQ’s
Q1. Who owns Pennyrile Electric?
Pennyrile Electric is a member-owned cooperative. That means every customer is also a partial owner, and decisions are made through an elected board.
Q2. What should I do during a power outage?
First, check the outage map on their website or app. If it’s not listed, call their 24/7 line or report via SmartHub. Always keep your account number ready.
Q3. Does Pennyrile Electric offer solar panel support?
Yes. They offer net metering for solar panel owners, allowing you to earn credits for excess power sent back to the grid. Contact their office for technical setup details.
Q4. How do I apply for a rebate on appliances?
You can apply online through their Energy Efficiency Program section. Rebate forms must include a copy of your purchase receipt and equipment model number.
Q5. What’s the difference between budget billing and prepay?
Budget billing averages your usage for predictable payments, while prepay lets you load money in advance — like a prepaid phone plan.
Q6. Can I work at Pennyrile Electric?
Absolutely. They regularly post job openings and offer internships. Visit their Careers page or check local job boards like Indeed.
Q7. Is Pennyrile Electric a green energy provider?
Not primarily. They purchase most of their electricity from TVA, which includes fossil fuels. However, they support solar net metering and plan future sustainability efforts.
Q8. How are board members selected?
Members vote annually for open board seats. Ballots are usually sent by mail, and election results are shared during public meetings.
Q9. What’s SmartHub and why should I use it?
SmartHub is PECC’s mobile & online platform where you can:
- View your bill
- Monitor usage
- Report outages
- Update contact info
It’s free and very user-friendly.
Q10. Where does Pennyrile Electric serve?
Their service area includes parts of Christian, Todd, Trigg, Caldwell, and Muhlenberg counties in Kentucky — mostly rural regions.
Q11. What are capital credits?
Since it’s a co-op, Pennyrile returns unused revenue to members as capital credits. These credits are paid back as checks or bill credits after a set number of years.
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