For Our Members

Electric service became available in the town of Bartlett, bringing power to homes and businesses. However, rural communities in the surrounding Central Texas area remained without electricity for decades.

With a $33,000 REA loan approved, construction begins on 59 miles of electric distribution lines. Employees and volunteers begin setting poles by hand to extend power into rural communities surrounding Bartlett, Texas.

The first section of line is energized when Charles Saage throws the switch at his farmhouse just outside Bartlett, bringing electricity to one of the first rural homes in the nation served through an REA-funded project. This milestone marks the beginning of reliable electric service and the expansion of power to rural communities across Texas.

Following the passage of the Electric Cooperative Corporation Act, Bartlett Community Light & Power reorganized as a member-owned electric cooperative, strengthening its commitment to the communities it serves. Early operations were supported through shared and rented office space in Bartlett, reflecting the cooperative's humble beginnings. 

Following early electrification, Bartlett Electric Cooperative expands its system to reach more rural homes and farms, bringing reliable electricity to communities that had long gone without it. As the cooperative grew, it established its first headquarters in Bartlett. In 1950, a building on Evie Street was purchased and later remodeled int the cooperative's headquarters, which officially opened in 1952. 

The cooperative continues to build and strengthen its electric infrastructure. Improving reliability, safety practices, and supporting the growth of homes, agriculture, and local businesses across its service area. In 1977, a new headquarters was constructed at 104 E. Pietzsch in Bartlett, reflecting the cooperative's expanding operations and long-term investment in serving its members. The former Evie Street facility was converted into warehouse space, supporting ongoing system growth. 

Bartlett Electric Cooperative invests in system upgrades and evolving technology to meet the growing energy needs of its members across Bell, Burleson, Lee, Milam, and Williamson Counties. In 2003, land was purchased north of Bartlett for a new facility. Continuing the connection to the cooperative's founding. The property was owned by a descendant of one of the original incorporators, E.M. Steglich. A new headquarters and service center were completed in 2006, supporting modern operations and long-term growth. 

Bartlett Electric Cooperative continues to modernize its electric system, investing in advanced equipment, innovative technology, and workforce development to deliver reliable electric service and meet the evolving needs of its members. Expanding on this commitment, BEC Communications launched in 2021 to provide fiber and wireless broadband services, increasing access to high-speed internet and helping bridge the digital divide in rural communities. This milestone reflects a full-circle moment, extending the same commitment that first brought electricity to underserved rural areas to now delivering essential connectivity. 

To support continued growth, Bartlett Electric Cooperative constructs a new facility to accommodate the expansion of its communications operations. The modern building sits adjacent to the BEC Power office and includes office space, warehouse capacity, and vehicle storage, supporting both electric and broadband services and enhancing service across Bell, Burleson, Lee, Milam, and Williamson counties. The cooperative also continues to invest in innovative energy solutions, including solar projects that provide renewable energy options for its members.