Palmetto Electric Cooperative was formed in 1940 by enterprising rural residents in response to the refusal by investor-owned utilities to serve rural areas. Within two years, the co-op delivered electricity to rural Hampton County and, shortly thereafter, to rural Jasper County. In 1950, lines to Hilton Head were electrified, setting the stage for the island’s rapid growth.

Over the years, Palmetto Electric has purchased electricity from several sources to meet the growing needs of its members. In 1949, it began buying electricity generated by Santee Cooper from Central Electric Power Cooperative. Central, which today represents 20 electric cooperatives from Oconee County to the coast, purchases electricity at reasonable rates for its member cooperatives.

Our customers are also our owners. They have a voice in how the cooperative is operated. Our governing body, the Board of Directors, is composed of members who are elected by other members.

Our programs reflect a spirit of cooperation forged through more than half a century of partnership with our members. It is a way of doing business that sets us apart from other utilities and it is the foundation for our continued growth and success.

For over 70 years, the co-op has been meeting the needs of its members by implementing new technology and developing consumer-oriented programs. Palmetto Electric fortified its partnership in 2002 with Touchstone Energy, a network of 746 cooperatives in 46 states serving more than 16 million customers every day. Through that partnership, we reinvigorated our focus on the core values of accountability, community involvement, innovation and integrity that guide our decision-making and strategic planning.

Today, the cooperative offers several innovative programs that reduce rates, simplify billing, enhance the safety and convenience of electricity, and fund community services to over 69,000 customers in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties.

What you need to know

To apply for a job at Palmetto Electric Cooperative you must complete an employment application in one of our district offices or submit a resume. All sections of the application form must be completed. Please give detailed information about previous job duties and responsibilities.

There is no need to complete a separate application for each job in which you are interested and for which you are qualified. All applications are considered and referred for positions by the qualifications indicated on the application. Your application will remain active for six months from the date it is filed.

If the position for which you are applying requires a degree, a license, or is technical in nature, a copy of college transcripts, licenses, or related training certificates may be required.

Applications that are submitted for vacant positions will be reviewed and screened to ensure that applicants meet the basic requirements for the position. Information on qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring supervisor for consideration on interviews. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by telephone.

Past employment and education history will be verified and applicants are responsible for providing sufficient information to accomplish this. Falsification of information on employment application will result in immediate termination of the application process.

New hires must show evidence of citizenship, legal residence, or authorization to work in the United States in order to be eligible for employment.

A pre-employment physical is required prior to hire date.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All applicants for employment shall be considered and hired on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam Era. The employment practices shall insure equal treatment to all employees, without discrimination in rates of pay or other opportunities for advancement because of the employee’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam Era.