York Electric Cooperative

What York Electric Cooperative does

York Electric Cooperative, Inc. (YEC) is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric distribution cooperative founded in 1941 and headquartered at 1385 E Alexander Love Highway, York, South Carolina. It serves residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural members across York, Chester, Lancaster, and Cherokee counties. The cooperative purchases wholesale electricity from Central Electric Power Cooperative (which in turn sources power from Duke Energy, Santee Cooper, and a mix of nuclear, coal, natural gas, hydro, and renewables) and distributes it through its own poles, wires, and substations, with high-side substation maintenance performed by New Horizon Electric (a joint entity co-owned with four other SC upstate cooperatives). Operating technology is anchored by Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Sensus Enhanced Meters (Stratus IQ+) deployed since 2011-2015 and actively being refreshed in 2025, providing two-way communication, remote outage detection, automated meter reading, and detailed usage data. SCADA monitors substation voltage regulators, and infrared scanning flags equipment issues during peak load.

Name

York Electric Cooperative

Legal name

York Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Website

https://yorkelectric.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1941

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

York Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric distribution cooperative founded in 1941 that serves residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural members across four South Carolina counties with AMI smart metering and at-cost electricity supply.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electric Distribution Utility Services

NAICS

Electric Power Distribution (221122), Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211)

SIC

Electric Services (4911)

akta.pro primary industry

Electric Cooperatives (Rural/Member-Owned Utilities) (EUADABAC)

Keywords

• Electric distribution services
• Member-owned cooperative
• Residential electricity supply
• Commercial power services
• Rural electric utility

Headquarters

HQ city

York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Electricity Distribution and Sales: York Electric purchases wholesale power from Central Electric Power Cooperative (which acquires power from sources including Duke Energy, Santee Cooper, nuclear, coal, natural gas, hydro, and renewables) and distributes it to residential and commercial members. As a not-for-profit cooperative, all revenue over expenses is either reinvested in infrastructure or returned to members as Capital Credits. Rate increases in 2026 include 6.5% for residential/small commercial and 4% for large commercial/industrial. The average residential daily cost is about $4.75 for 1,000 kWh.
2. Security Lighting: Members can request security lighting installed on co-op poles for exterior illumination at their property. This is a recurring service fee included in monthly bills.
3. Fiber Optic Internet Services: York Electric offers fiber optic internet service to members through a partnership. Members can access high-speed internet with the cooperative's existing infrastructure relationships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

York Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric distribution cooperative that purchases wholesale power from Central Electric Power Cooperative and distributes electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial members across York, Chester, Lancaster, and Cherokee counties in South Carolina. Its core offering is electricity distribution infrastructure (poles, wires, substations, meters) supported by Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Sensus Enhanced Meters enabling two-way communication, remote outage detection, and detailed energy usage data.

Product overview

York Electric Cooperative operates as a not-for-profit, member-owned electric utility providing electricity distribution to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in York County, South Carolina. The cooperative's portfolio consists of a core electricity distribution service (Residential and Business Electric Service) supplemented by multiple add-on programs and modules. Key products include Enhanced/Smart Metering (Sensus Enhanced Meters and AMI infrastructure) for two-way communication and remote monitoring; demand response programs (Smart Thermostat Program with ecobee/Honeywell/Emerson thermostats and Beat the Peak alerts); renewable energy options (Community Solar Farm, Rooftop Solar Assessment, Solar Interconnection, Fort Mill Solar); backup power solutions (Generator Program via Generac partnership); and energy efficiency services (Energy Audits, Dual-Fuel Heat Pump Rebates, Agricultural Energy Audits). Additional modules encompass security lighting, Capital Credits distributions, community giving (Operation Round Up, The Burrell Foundation), member discount programs (Co-op Connections), educational initiatives (Scholarships, Youth Tours, Bright Ideas Grants), fiber internet, and a Storm Center for outage management. The cooperative has been serving members since 1941 and celebrated 85 years of service in 2025-2026.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Operation Round Up: A voluntary program where members round up their electric bills to the next highest dollar, with funds distributed to local charities through the Operation Round Up Trust Board to assist individuals in need in York, Chester, Lancaster, and Cherokee counties.
• The Burrell Foundation

Products and services

• Residential Electric Service Core electricity distribution service for residential members, including service start/stop/move, billing and payment options (member portal, bank draft, levelized billing, e-bill, e-check, PayGO checkout, Walmart pay, advance pay, invoice billing), account management, and security lighting for individual households in York, Chester, Lancaster, and Cherokee counties.
• Business Electric Service Electricity distribution service for commercial and industrial accounts, including service management, ACH enrollment, online account services, electronic billing, energy audits, outdoor lighting, and economic development support through East York and Springlake business parks. Serves small commercial (Rate Code 20) and large power accounts (Rate Code 21, 24).
• Smart Thermostat Program Demand response program offering discounted smart thermostats (ecobee, Honeywell Home T5, Emerson Sensi) that YEC can control during peak periods. Participants who override 40% or fewer peak control events receive $100 bill credit in year 1 and $50 each year thereafter. Installation reimbursement of $75 available.
• Beat the Peak Free voluntary demand response program alerting members to projected peak periods when they can voluntarily reduce appliance use and adjust thermostats to lower overall electricity demand during highest-cost hours.
• Community Solar Farm Members subscribe to solar panels at a community solar farm for a 20-year term (minimum 2 years), paying an upfront $100 per kW charge and $12 per kW monthly fee, receiving credits at 10 cents per kWh. One kW unit produces approximately 150 kWh per month. Minimum 1 kW, maximum 5 kW per member.
• Solar Interconnection Program Program for members with existing solar installations to interconnect their systems with YEC's grid, requiring completion of an interconnection application for systems 100kW or less. Available under multiple net metering rate schedules (Rate Schedules 71-77).
• Generator Program Certified Generac dealer program providing whole-house generators to members at discounted rates through partnership with a local installer, ensuring backup power during outages. Generac Response Series generators are available through the co-op for member purchase.
• Dual-Fuel Heat Pump Rebate Rebate program for dual-fuel heat pump systems combining electric heat pump and gas furnace, operating efficiently above 35°F and switching to gas below that threshold, helping manage peak demand while providing comfortable heating.
• Energy Audits Free in-home energy audit service where qualified YEC personnel visit member homes to advise on energy-saving improvements including insulation, sealing, and HVAC optimization.
• South Carolina Agricultural Energy Audit Program Program covering 75% of energy audit costs for farms, provided by EnSave under a USDA Rural Development grant. Audit results qualify farms for USDA REAP grants (up to 25% of project cost) and loan guarantees (up to 75%).
• Security Lighting Exterior security lighting service provided by YEC for residential and commercial members, with outage reporting and new installation request options available through the website and member services. Included as a recurring service fee on monthly bills.
• Storm Center Emergency preparedness and outage management resource providing real-time outage maps, safety information, emergency supply kit guidance, generator safety, power restoration updates, flood warnings, and hurricane/tornado readiness information.
• Fiber Internet High-speed fiber internet service being extended to members' homes through a partnership, providing reliable broadband access to rural service areas in York County.
• YEC Mobile App Mobile application for iOS and Android enabling members to pay bills, report outages, monitor energy usage, and manage accounts from anywhere. Available through Apple App Store (YEC Mobile) and Google Play Store (YEC Smart Apps).

Quantifiable outcome

• Members pay less than nearly every other co-op in South Carolina — ranked 18th out of 19 cooperatives for cost of 1,100 kWh in 2024
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• New Horizon ElectriccoreTechnology or IntegrationNew Horizon Electric is owned by the five upstate South Carolina cooperatives including York Electric. It owns and maintains the high side of many YEC substations (where transmission lines enter the station) and works with YEC to maintain substation equipment, increasing reliability for members. New Horizon performs monthly visual inspections on voltage regulators, uses infrared scanning during summer peak loads, and handles substation communications equipment setup.
• Central Electric Power CooperativecoreTechnology or IntegrationCentral Electric Power Cooperative is the wholesale electric generation and transmission cooperative (G&T) headquartered in Columbia, SC, owned by the 20 independent South Carolina distribution electric cooperatives including York Electric. YEC purchases all its power from Central, which acquires power from Duke Energy, Santee Cooper, nuclear, coal, natural gas, hydro, and renewable sources. Central also administers the South Carolina Agricultural Energy Audit Program on behalf of SC electric co-ops via a USDA Rural Development Energy Audit grant.
• EnSaveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnSave provides discounted energy audits to farms in South Carolina under the South Carolina Agricultural Energy Audit Program, administered by Central Electric Power Cooperative on behalf of the 20 SC electric cooperatives. The program covers 75% of audit costs and helps farms access USDA REAP funding for equipment upgrades. EnSave representatives call applicants to discuss audit pricing and conduct assessments.
• Santee CoopercoreTechnology or IntegrationSantee Cooper (South Carolina Public Service Authority) is one of the state's power suppliers providing wholesale electricity to York Electric and other SC cooperatives. Its rate freeze expired in January 2025, causing 10-15% monthly increases in wholesale power costs for YEC. Santee Cooper provides Grid Resilience Grant Program funding (via the US Department of Energy) for infrastructure projects in YEC's service territory and funds community solar through its Green Power program ($35,449 for Fort Mill solar panels).
• Duke EnergycoreTechnology or IntegrationDuke Energy is one of the power suppliers providing wholesale electricity to York Electric through Central Electric Power Cooperative. YEC's rates remain competitive even against Duke Energy's proposed residential rates — after the 2026 adjustment, YEC's rate is still more than $5.00 lower than Duke Energy's proposed residential rate for comparable usage.
• PIKE (Meter Installation Contractor)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPIKE, along with York Electric and its contractors, installs new enhanced meters (Sensus Enhanced Meters) across the service territory as part of the co-op's meter modernization program. PIKE leaves confirmation door hangers after installation and can be contacted to reschedule missed appointments.
• Generac (Certified Dealer)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYork Electric is a certified Generac dealer, working with a local installer to provide members the option to purchase whole-house Generac generators at a discounted rate. Energy Services Coordinator Brent Clinton manages the program. Generac Response Series generators are available through the co-op for member purchase.
• Co-op Connections Program PartnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-op Connections is a national cooperative program providing members discounts on products and services from participating local and national businesses, including 10-60% off prescriptions at 56,000+ pharmacies nationwide (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target). The program also includes local business discounts and healthy savings on dental, vision, and chiropractic care. No signup or annual fees required.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Central Electric Power Cooperative: Generation-and-transmission (G&T) cooperative owned by the 20 SC distribution electric cooperatives, including YEC; not a direct distribution competitor but the wholesale power supplier and key operating partner comparable as a Touchstone Energy co-op within the same SC system.
• New Horizon Electric: Joint venture of five upstate SC electric cooperatives, including YEC, owning and maintaining substation high-sides; not a customer-facing peer but a closely-aligned operating entity sharing infrastructure and SCADA/AMI strategies with YEC.

Broad incumbents

• Duke Energy (Carolinas): Investor-owned utility operating adjacent to and partially within South Carolina; YEC's rates are benchmarked directly against Duke's proposed residential rates, making it a relevant incumbent competitor for large commercial and industrial loads in the region.
• Santee Cooper (South Carolina Public Service Authority): South Carolina's state-owned public power utility and one of YEC's wholesale power suppliers via Central Electric; not a direct distribution competitor in YEC's territory but a broad incumbent that influences wholesale rates and grid resilience funding available to YEC.

Direct peers

• Oconee Electric Cooperative: South Carolina distribution electric cooperative serving a similar upstate rural footprint under the same Touchstone Energy / Central Electric framework; directly comparable in scale, regulatory environment, and member-owned cooperative structure.
• Broad River Electric Cooperative: South Carolina distribution electric cooperative operating under the same SC cooperative law, Central Electric wholesale power arrangement, and Touchstone Energy branding; directly comparable as a small-to-mid rural member-owned distribution utility.
• Pedernales Electric Cooperative: One of the largest member-owned distribution electric cooperatives in the U.S., serving central Texas; directly comparable as a Touchstone Energy-style rural distribution cooperative with similar capital credits, governance, and at-cost operating model.
• Edisto Electric Cooperative: South Carolina distribution electric cooperative serving rural members through Central Electric Power Cooperative wholesale power; directly comparable as a small-to-mid sized Touchstone Energy member-owned distribution utility in the same state.
• Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative: Another South Carolina distribution electric cooperative purchasing wholesale power from Central Electric Power Cooperative; operates under the same SC regulatory and Touchstone Energy cooperative framework with a comparable member-owned distribution model.
• Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative: Also one of the upstate South Carolina distribution electric cooperatives sharing New Horizon Electric for substation maintenance; directly comparable in scale, business model, and regulatory framework as a Touchstone Energy member-owned distribution co-op serving a similar rural South Carolina footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/YorkElectricCooperative
• Xx.com/yec_cooperative

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about York Electric Cooperative