What is an rea?

Today, REAs exist in Canada only in Alberta and operate in service areas across the province. Although there were greater numbers during the early years of the movement, amalgamations and sales reduced their numbers. There are 32 REAs in total in Alberta.

 An REA is a jointly-owned, not-for-profit social enterprise that is democratically controlled by its members. That makes it a cooperative, and cooperatives are all about the members.

1.Every member is an owner.

2.Every member has one vote.

3.Members elect representatives from the membership to govern the REA.

4.Members enjoy the economic benefits of a not-for-profit. Surplus funds are re-invested to upgrade infrastructure and maintain reasonable rates.

The Rural Electrification Association, as a power distribution co-op, is identified on your power bill. If you are a member of an REA, get involved - "get plugged in to your REA" and find out more.

As members of the Drayton Valley REA you own the REA like you own your farm.

• You have an investment in the system that is yours.

• As a member-owner you have a vested interest in the capital assets of the REA and there are financial implications of being a member-owner.

• The Drayton Valley REA board is the regulator; therefore, the REA board determines rates, terms & conditions, etc. for their members.

• You have local ownership and control of the electric distribution system.

• The REA can contract out our daily electric distribution system business operations to an investor-owned utility, such as FortisAlberta or to another REA.

• REAs have the ability to control their REA business direction based on members’ needs.

• The REAs through past interventions before the AEUB—now the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)—have significantly influenced utility rates to rural residential and company farm customers as well as REA rates for many years.

• REAs are a benchmark to keep competition honest.

• REAs generally work together through the Alberta Federation of REAs for a strong,

unified voice for members REAs and the Federation monitors the electrical industry to

keep members informed about issues: from the latest technological innovations to political decisions that affect the REA’s ability to effectively deliver rural power.

• Your REA is a community asset with strengths that can be leveraged for your benefit.

• The REAs may be small but they are well recognized by many large stakeholders in the 

province including the government.

• Members have a voice in the future of the REA. Your heritage will remain intact.

• REAs have a strong commitment to community.

• REAs represent all rural consumers.