Duck River Electric Membership

What Duck River Electric Membership does

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative founded in 1936 to deliver central-station electric power to rural areas of southern Middle Tennessee that investor-owned utilities had declined to serve. The cooperative purchases wholesale electricity from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and distributes it across approximately 2,500 square miles to more than 86,000 residential, commercial, and industrial members spanning 17 counties. DREMC operates as a regulated distribution utility under cooperative governance, with members electing the board of directors and receiving service at cost rather than for profit.

DREMC's product surface centers on electric distribution plus a layered ecosystem of member programs: PowerUP Prepay (pay-as-you-go billing), Levelized Billing (seasonal averaging), Heat Pump Loan Program (8% fixed financing, $2,500-$20,000 over 10 years), Security Light leases, Home Energy Evaluations, Energy Efficiency Rebates, Smart Thermostat Rewards, the EnergyRight Marketplace, and Project HELP bill-assistance. The underlying technology stack comprises advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) that transmits daily usage data, a real-time outage map, native iOS/Android mobile application, online billing portal, IVR phone system, and a website for self-service. Customer acquisition and service delivery occur through eight physical offices across the territory, digital channels, and TVA co-marketing programs such as EnergyRight Solutions for Business.

DREMC's business model is structured as a cooperative distribution utility. Revenue is generated primarily through volumetric electric distribution rates set under TVA oversight and passed through to the cooperative, supplemented by recurring subscription-style fees (security light leases, heat pump loan interest) and one-time charges (PowerUP Prepay enrollment at $135, disconnect/reconnect fees). Distribution is direct-to-consumer with no intermediaries, served through a mix of in-person offices, online portals, mobile apps, and traditional mail. Additional ecosystem activity includes the Project UNITE fiber broadband partnership with United Communications ($10.5 million Giles County investment) and renewable generation partnerships (Silicon Ranch, Vanderbilt, NES, TVA) that extend the cooperative's footprint into adjacent utility services.

Name

Duck River Electric Membership

Legal name

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation

Website

https://dremc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1936

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative founded in 1936 that distributes TVA-purchased wholesale power to over 86,000 residential, commercial, and industrial members across approximately 2,500 square miles of southern Middle Tennessee.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electric Utility Distribution

NAICS

Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211)

SIC

Electric Services (4911), Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) / Municipal Aggregation Retail Supply (EUAGABAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Retail Supply + DER/Virtual Power Plant Bundles (Solar, Storage, DR) (EUAGABAI)

Keywords

• Electric power distribution
• Rural electric cooperative
• Electric utility services
• Energy efficiency programs
• Billing and payment services

Headquarters

HQ city

Shelbyville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Electric Distribution Services: DREMC purchases wholesale power from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and distributes it to residential, commercial, and industrial members. The cooperative operates as a not-for-profit entity, providing electricity at the lowest possible cost to its member-owners.
2. Heat Pump Loan Program: Financing program for heat pump installations at 8% interest for up to 10 years, with loan amounts ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.
3. Security Light Lease: Monthly lease fees for LED security lights installed on existing DREMC electric poles. Fee varies with TVA fuel charge fluctuations.
4. Membership Fees: $10 DREMC membership fee for new members enrolling in PowerUP Prepay program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

DREMC is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative that purchases wholesale power from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and distributes it to more than 86,000 residential, commercial, and industrial members across approximately 2,500 square miles in southern Middle Tennessee. Its core offering is reliable 24/7/365 electric distribution service supported by advanced metering, multiple billing and payment channels (online portal, mobile app, IVR, in-person), and a suite of member programs including prepay billing, heat pump financing, energy efficiency rebates, and bill-payment assistance.

Product overview

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative offering a comprehensive suite of electricity distribution services and customer programs. The core offering is electric service delivery to over 86,000 members across 2,500 square miles in southern Middle Tennessee. The company provides a digital ecosystem centered around its mobile app and online billing portal for account management and payments. Key customer programs include PowerUP Prepay (prepay billing), Levelized Billing (averaged monthly payments), Heat Pump Loan Program (8% financing for heat pumps), Home Energy Evaluations, Energy Efficiency Rebates, Security Light Lease Program, and Project HELP (bill assistance). The cooperative also participates in TVA EnergyRight programs including Green Switch renewable energy options and Smart Thermostat Rewards. All programs are supported by an outage map system and delivered through 8 local offices plus 24/7 emergency service.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Watts the Duck: Official mascot of Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, introduced in 2026 as the friendly face of the cooperative.
• Project HELP
• PowerUp Prepay

Products and services

• Electric Distribution Service Safe, reliable electric distribution service delivered 24/7/365 to more than 86,000 residential and commercial members across approximately 2,500 square miles in southern Middle Tennessee, with wholesale power purchased from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
• DREMC Mobile App Native iOS and Android application providing secure account management, bill viewing, payments, outage reporting, push notifications, and office/payment location mapping for DREMC members.
• Online Billing and Payment Portal Web-based self-service portal for DREMC members to view bills, make payments via debit/credit card or electronic check, set up autopay, and manage account preferences.
• PowerUP Prepay Prepay electricity service program allowing members to add funds to their account as they go, with text/email balance alerts, daily electric use monitoring, and no traditional deposit requirement for new members ($135 setup includes $10 membership fee, $50 deposit, $25 meter set, $50 minimum prepayment).
• Heat Pump Loan Program Financing program offering competitive fixed-rate loans at 8% interest for up to 10 years (loan amounts $2,500–$20,000, no early payoff penalty) for energy-efficient electric heat pump installations by TVA Quality Contractor Network contractors.
• Home Energy Evaluations Free in-home energy assessment by trained residential energy advisors evaluating attic insulation, air sealing, windows, ductwork, and central units to identify efficiency improvements for DREMC residential members.
• Energy Efficiency Rebates Rebate programs through TVA EnergyRight for qualifying energy efficiency upgrades including heat pumps, insulation, and installations completed by Quality Contractor Network contractors for DREMC members.
• Security Light Lease Program LED outdoor security lighting lease program (50-watt LED) mounted on existing DREMC electric poles, operating automatically from dusk to dawn at less than $9/month, with an $80 installation fee (waived with 12-month minimum lease commitment).
• TVA EnergyRight Green Switch Program allowing DREMC members to opt for renewable energy from TVA by adding solar or wind generation to their electric service account.
• Smart Thermostat Rewards Incentive program through TVA EnergyRight for installation of qualifying smart thermostats that help DREMC members manage energy use and qualify for rebates.
• Comprehensive Services Program (CSP) Free energy audit and assessment program for DREMC's commercial and industrial members offered in partnership with TVA, providing studies, services, and electrical safety assistance.
• EnergyRight Marketplace Online marketplace featuring energy-efficient products available for purchase through TVA EnergyRight, accessible to DREMC members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 86,000 members served across 2,500 square miles
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Shelbyville Power and LESminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Mutual aid agreement signed between DREMC, Shelbyville Power, and LES for power restoration assistance during emergencies.
• Silicon RanchminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2021Solar farm partnership with Vanderbilt, NES, TVA, and Silicon Ranch for renewable energy generation.
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDREMC purchases all wholesale power from TVA and participates in TVA programs including EnergyRight Solutions for residential and business energy efficiency, School Uplift grants, and STEM education funding. TVA provides regulatory oversight for rates and service practices.
• Project UNITE (United Communications)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject UNITE initiative to accelerate broadband deployment to underserved members in the DREMC service territory. DREMC partnered with United Communications (fiber internet provider) for rural broadband expansion. Giles County fiber expansion received $10.5 million investment.
• Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide organization representing electric cooperatives in Tennessee. Coordinates Washington Youth Tour, cooperative advocacy, and communications awards.
• Good Samaritan Associations (7 counties)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject HELP emergency energy assistance program administered through local Good Samaritan Associations in Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Marshall, Maury, and Moore counties.
• Touchstone Energy CooperativesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational cooperative network for marketing and brand association. DREMC participates in Touchstone Energy cooperative marketing efforts.
• TVPPA (Tennessee Valley Public Power Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit regional service organization representing electric utilities in TVA service area. Provides judging for DREMC writing contests.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Volunteer Energy Cooperative: Tennessee-based electric distribution cooperative also served by TVA, serving a similar rural residential and commercial member base in southeastern Tennessee. Directly comparable cooperative model, programs, and member services.
• Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation: A fellow TVA-served electric cooperative operating immediately adjacent in the Nashville/Middle Tennessee region. Highly comparable distribution cooperative with member-owned governance, similar AMI/digital programs, and an overlapping product set (heat pump loans, prepay, energy efficiency).
• Caney Fork Electric Cooperative: TVA-served electric cooperative serving a portion of the central Tennessee plateau. Directly comparable cooperative distribution utility with overlapping member programs and AMI-driven customer engagement.
• Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative: TVA-served electric cooperative serving rural Middle Tennessee counties that overlap with parts of DREMC's service area. Directly comparable cooperative model with similar billing options and energy-efficiency programs.
• Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation: TVA-served electric cooperative serving Middle Tennessee counties adjacent to DREMC's territory, with similar member scale and rural distribution profile. Offers directly comparable billing, energy-efficiency, and prepay programs.
• Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative: Tennessee electric cooperative served by TVA, distributing power in a rural multi-county territory similar to DREMC's. Directly comparable member-owned distribution utility operating under the same TVA wholesale framework.

Others

• Touchstone Energy Cooperatives: National branding and marketing cooperative of which DREMC is a member. Provides cooperative network services, branding, and shared programs that are directly relevant to DREMC's go-to-market and member engagement.
• United Communications: Fiber broadband partner in DREMC's Project UNITE initiative to extend rural broadband across the service territory. Adjacent infrastructure partner rather than direct utility competitor, but materially connected to DREMC's growth strategy.

Broad incumbents

• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA): Federally owned wholesale power producer and upstream supplier to DREMC and most Tennessee cooperatives. Operates broadly in generation, transmission, and energy programs (EnergyRight, Green Switch) that DREMC extends to retail members.
• Pedernales Electric Cooperative: One of the largest electric distribution cooperatives in the United States, serving rural Texas. Comparable cooperative operating model and member programs, but at materially larger scale and in a different regulatory/territory context.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DuckRiverEMC
• Facebookfacebook.com/DuckRiverEMC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/duck-river-electric-membership-corporation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Duck River Electric Membership