May 2026
I hope you have enjoyed reading about the early history of Cooperative Living and the featured stories of the past. While we feel like we are traveling through uncharted territory — much like the Artemis II astronauts who recently journeyed farther into space than any humans before them — this month’s stories from the turbulent late 1970s and early 1980s remind us about the many challenges we’ve faced and overcome.
Our cover story, which explores how electric cooperatives are training the professional lineworkers needed to keep the lights on for decades to come, is a reminder that planning for the future has always been part of the cooperative mission.
That is exactly what our electric cooperative founders were doing when they first came together to bring electricity to rural communities. They were working to ensure that all residents could share in the safety, security, convenience and economic opportunity that electrification made possible.
It is also what your electric cooperative is doing today. Your elected co-op leaders and the professionals they hire are working to address the engineering, legislative, staffing and affordability challenges we face now — and those we know are coming. They are also working to save you money, improve efficiency and maintain the energy reliability our homes, farms and businesses depend on.
You’ll find stories throughout this issue that reflect those efforts along with celebrating the 90th anniversaries of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative and Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative.
I can’t help but wonder what readers will think of this decade when we are celebrating our 100th anniversary. One thing will remain constant: Your electric cooperative will be there to keep the lights on and take care of its members.
Brian S. Mosier, President & CEO
Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives