IMPORTANT! Save Our Numbers for Text and Phone Alerts

On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at 9 a.m. Central, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative members received a text from 833-417-5291. We encourage our members to save this number in their phones so that our messages are less likely to appear as spam or unknown. You may receive text notifications about important...
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President’s Message – January 2022

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Co-op Values Translate to Benefits for the Community

Jimmy Black headshotGulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s core job is keeping the lights on, but our passion is serving our members. Because we’re a co-op, our purpose is to enrich the lives of our members and serve the long-term interests of our community. This service focus is at the heart of who we are.

Values-Focused Approach

We were built and are led by the members we serve. Whether tested by severe weather events or a pandemic, our co-op puts people first, not just during tough times but all the time.

Throughout the years, our charitable efforts, staff volunteer service hours, and other locally-focused projects have supported local schools and young people, supported local food banks, assisted families in need to keep the lights on, and much more.

We also invest in new equipment to improve operational efficiency, technology upgrades, and vegetation management to ensure reliability and safety.

Powering the Local Economy

We have partnered on economic development projects that meet our region’s evolving needs and help it thrive. The money we’ve spent stays right here and benefits our local economy.

We’ve invested in the infrastructure of our co-op and community to ensure the long-term viability of both. When the co-op thrives, our community thrives.

Sustainable Future

We have rebates that you can access to save money on energy bills. Technology offers more options to track energy use and help manage the costs under your control.

The energy industry is rapidly changing. Building a sustainable future is a priority. While use of renewables is increasing, we will need to incorporate other forms of energy in the mix to ensure service reliability. After all, solar and wind are called intermittent power because the sun does not always shine, and the wind does not always blow.

As a local business, we are proud of our role in helping bring good things to our community. While the larger environment in which we operate is constantly changing, one thing remains constant: Working together with you, the members we serve, we’ll continue to be a catalyst for good.