Horry Electric Cooperative: Your Myrtle Beach SC Community Energy Partner

For over 80 years, Horry Electric Cooperative has been a trusted name for electricity and energy services in Myrtle Beach, SC. As a member-owned cooperative, they provide a different kind of service, focused on the needs of the local community rather than profits. This unique structure guides everything they do, from outage reporting to energy efficiency programs.

Business Overview

Horry Electric Cooperative serves both residential members and businesses across the Grand Strand. While not a 24/7 emergency contractor, the cooperative maintains reliable systems for outage reporting and power restoration, supported by dedicated local employees. Their focus is on energy management and sustainability, helping members control costs and use power wisely in our coastal climate.

Key Services

Horry Electric Cooperative offers a range of services designed for homeowners and businesses in the Myrtle Beach area. Their team helps with:

• Electric and Plumbing Inspections: Essential checks for safety and system efficiency in local homes.
• Energy Efficiency Programs: Guidance and options to help reduce bills, especially during hot, humid summers.
• Smart Thermostat Options: Technology to better manage heating and cooling.
• Community Solar Initiatives: Opportunities for members to support renewable energy.
• Outage Reporting & Support: Direct systems for members to report and get updates on power issues.

Areas Served

Horry Electric Cooperative reliably serves communities across Horry County. Their service area includes Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Conway, North Myrtle Beach, Red Hill, Garden City, Little River, Forestbrook, Loris, Carolina Forest, Dunbar, and Aynor. This deep local presence means they understand the specific electrical and plumbing needs of our coastal homes, from beachfront properties to inland neighborhoods.

Company History

The cooperative's story began on April 24, 1940, when it was organized by 627 charter members seeking reliable electricity. The system was energized on January 7, 1941, bringing power to a growing region. This member-focused model has been the foundation for eight decades of service. Growth has been steady, always guided by the principle of operating as a not-for-profit for the benefit of the members it serves.

Leadership

Horry Electric Cooperative is governed by a nine-member board of trustees. Each board member is elected from and by the fellow cooperative members at the Annual Meeting. This board names the chief executive officer, who appoints the management staff that operates the system. This structure ensures leadership is directly accountable to the local community, with deep roots in understanding the energy needs of Myrtle Beach, SC residents.

Specialties & Highlights

• Member-Owned, Not-for-Profit: Profits are returned to members, reinvested in the system, or used to stabilize rates.
• Community-Focused Governance: A locally elected board makes key decisions.
• Long-Term Stability: Serving the area since 1940 with a consistent mission.
• Sustainability Focus: Actively promotes energy efficiency and community solar options.
• Fair and Equitable Service: Committed to providing information and services on a just basis to all members.

Why Locals Choose Horry Electric Cooperative

Residents and businesses in Myrtle Beach, SC choose Horry Electric Cooperative for its unique community-owned model. It’s not just a utility provider; it’s a local institution built on reliability, fair treatment, and a long-standing commitment to the area's growth. The cooperative’s dedication to energy management helps members navigate the costs of cooling homes in the South Carolina heat. Choosing Horry Electric means partnering with an organization that has been powering the Grand Strand community for generations.