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ECE and broadband

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Back in 2019, we hired a consultant to conduct a feasibility study for broadband in our service territory. That study provided strong evidence that entering the broadband business would almost certainly put ECE’s financial position and electric assets at risk because of the large amount of debt required to make the investment in fiber and other equipment. Based on that study, our board made the decision to forgo investment in broadband at that time.

Since then, circumstances have changed. The pandemic has intensified the need for high-speed internet in our rural areas. State and federal governments are taking notice and funding opportunities are becoming increasingly available. As a result, ECE has made the decision to take another look at a regional solution to broadband.

On November 19, 2021, the ECE Board of Directors voted to move forward with developing a plan for a full fiber to the home project. Our newest feasibility study has indicated that with the appropriate funding from grants and other sources, it is reasonable for ECE to provide fiber throughout our service territory. ECE will be spending the next few months putting together a comprehensive plan for the businesses and residents in our 14-county service territory. Upon completion, our board will make a final determination on the overall project. The plan will be designed based on fiber only and will lay out a phased approach for a project that could cost as much as $300M.

As many of you know, electric cooperatives have helped solve the broadband problem across the nation and have been successful in large-scale deployments. Maintaining ECE’s financial solvency is non-negotiable, and we will move forward with this project only if that is protected by appropriate funding. Therefore, we will be working to develop relationships and communicate with the communities we serve.

Owning and operating a fiber network would give ECE and its members the value of smart grid technologies and would increase the efficiency and performance of our electric distribution grid. Beyond retail broadband, ECE would position itself as an electric co-op providing safe, reliable electricity, while moving forward with smart grid initiatives and implementing technologically relevant solutions to industry trends. This solution would provide many layers of value to taxpayers, and we are hopeful that it will receive support from policy leaders and funding decision makers.

As the plan comes together, we will be sharing more information, and we will be reaching out to many of the local entities we serve to see how we can collaborate on this significant regional project.

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©2022 East Central Energy. All Rights Reserved. All information on this website can be made available in an alternate form by calling 1-800-254-7944.

  • Home
  • Your Cooperative
    • About Us
      • Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
      • History
      • About Touchstone Energy
    • Capital Credits
    • Careers & Job Openings
    • Cogeneration
    • Directors and Districts
      • Board Meetings
    • Hours & Locations
    • Sustainability
    • Statement of Non-Discrimination
    • Power Concerns
    • Red Flags Rule
  • New Construction
    • Residential
    • Commercial
  • Residential
    • Billing & Payment
      • Charges & Fees
      • Payment Options
      • Understanding My Bill
    • Assistance Information
    • Cold Weather Rule
      • Military Cold Weather Rule
    • Landlord Preauthorization Agreement
    • Power Outage
    • Medical Alert
    • Renewable Energy
      • Solar Energy
      • Wind Energy
    • Sales Tax Exemptions
    • Start or Stop Service
    • Together We Save
    • High Speed Internet
    • Contact Us
  • Programs & Rebates
    • 2022 residential program highlights
    • Residential Rebates
    • Air Source Heat Pump
    • Storage Space Heating
    • Storage Water Heating
    • Ground Source Heat Pump
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Dual Fuel
  • Business
    • Charges & Fees - Commercial
    • Contact Us - Business Accounts
    • Economic Development
    • Cost Saving Programs
    • Energy Saving Tips
      • Business Energy Evaluation
    • Payment Options Business
    • Start or Stop Service - Commercial
    • Rebates - Commercial
  • Contractors
    • Before Working Overhead
    • HVAC Contractors
    • Power Line Emergencies
    • Resources for Electricians
  • Safety
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Downed Power Lines
    • Storm Information
    • Copper Theft
    • Request a presentation
    • Safe Electricity
  • Community
    • Member Resource Council
    • Operation Round Up
      • Grants
    • Scholarships
    • Caring Members
    • Youth Tour
    • Community Partnership
    • Parents and Educators
    • Watt's Cookin'
    • Co-op Connections
  • Trees & Lines
    • Emerald Ash Borer
    • Storm Damage & Downed Lines
    • Tree Concerns & Requests
    • Tree Planting Guidelines
    • Vegetation Management Plan
  • Newsroom
    • Co-op Advantage Newsletter
    • News & Events
    • Pollinator Blog
    • Video Gallery
    • Annual Report