Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative was formed on June 7, 1943, for the purpose of building electrical service to the rural areas of Jasper and Newton Counties. The first meeting of the incorporators and directors was held June 9, 1943, where a copy of the Articles of Incorporation from the Secretary of State’s office was presented and approved.

On June 11, 1943, a special meeting was called to present loan documents from the REA to finance construction and operation of an electric generating plant, and electric distribution and service lines. At the end of 1943, Jasper-Newton EC was serving 196 members and 60 miles of line.

By 1948, Jasper-Newton EC had 2,799 members in Jasper, Newton, Orange and Angelina counties. In 1953, after 10 years of progress, the numbers jumped to 5,239 members and 1,330 miles of line. Today, Jasper-Newton EC serves more than 18,500 members and maintains 3,109 miles of line in five (5) counties- Jasper, Newton, Orange, Angelina and Sabine.

JNEC sponsors two area high school students to attend the Government-In-Action Youth Tour to Washington D.C. The winning students were chosen by a selection committee comprised of nine JNEC members representing each district from throughout the service area. The all-expense-paid Youth Tour is held on June 8th – 17th in Washington D.C.

The Youth Tour focuses on educating youth on rural electrification to better their understanding of electric cooperatives. The tour provides the students with an opportunity to visit historical sites and museums. They also get an opportunity to meet elected officials to better understand how their federal government works.

JNEC sponsored 18 area high school students in the 28th annual East Texas Rural Electric Youth Seminar (ETREYS). The winning students were chosen by a selection committee comprised of nine JNEC members representing each district from throughout the JNEC service area.

ETREYS is jointly sponsored by nine electric cooperatives from East Texas. The all-expense-paid conference was held June 27th – July 1st on the campus of East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas. Programs focused on leadership development, problem-solving and team building. At the 2016 ETREYS, nineteen scholarships were awarded at the conclusion of the seminar.  Matthew Cox received a $500 scholarship and Jamie Jackson received a $1,000 scholarship. Mason Collier was chosen to represent our Cooperative as next year’s Youth Director.

The ETREYS program fosters positive ideals and values in young people. Participants have a valuable opportunity to work with other top students from throughout East Texas. Approximately 2,000 young people have attended past seminars and another 125 high school students were in attendance this year.

Cindy Montgomery serves as JNEC coordinator this year. Tana Tomplait, David McCauley and LoriAnne Smith served as chaperons.