ECE is a member-owned electric cooperative. Formed in 1936, we currently provide electric service for more than 59,000 homes, farms, and businesses in east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Our mission:

"East Central Energy improves the quality of life by safely providing reliable energy and related services, while embracing our cooperative principles."

Seven Cooperative Principles:

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Member's Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training, and Information
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
7. Concern for Community

Quick Facts

• Employees: 158
• Miles of line: 8,307
• Number of counties served: 14
• Average members per mile: 7.08

ECE's History

What is a cooperative?

Touchstone Energy Cooperative

As a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, we are a part of a national alliance of over 700 cooperatives in 46 states. We are one of 28 electric distribution cooperatives who own and depend on Great River Energy (GRE), based in Maple Grove, MN, for power. GRE generates electricity and transmits it from power plants to ECE substations for distribution through our local lines to you.

Internet and cable services, oil and propane

ECE also is part owner of Milaca Local Link, which provides high-speed Internet, telecommunications and cable television service in the Milaca, MN area.

ECE offers satellite speed Internet service through Northland Connect Broadband.

Our main location

ECE's main office and Operations Center are located in Braham, MN, with service and/or Operations Centers at Milaca, MN, Finlayson, MN, Superior, WI, and Wahkon, MN.

East Central Energy (ECE) is a member-owned electric cooperative. We provide electric, internet and long-distance services to homes, farms and businesses in east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Formed in 1936, we currently serve more than 59,000 homes, farms and businesses in 14 counties, which makes us Minnesota's oldest and third largest member-owned electric cooperative.