Logan County Electric Cooperative might be one of Ohio’s smallest co-ops, but it serves large members like the Honda plant in Russells Point.
Tucked against the base of Mad River Mountain in Bellefontaine is one of Ohio’s smallest co-ops, Logan County Electric Cooperative (LCEC). What the co-op might lack in size, however, it makes up for in service. General Manager Rick Petty and his staff prioritize connections with their more than 4,600 consumer-members in their mission to provide local, safe, reliable, affordable electricity.
High points
Bellefontaine boasts the highest point of elevation in Ohio — Campbell Hill, at 1,550 feet. Ohio Hi-Point Career Center sits atop the summit, giving the students inside an education with a view. Nearby is Mad River Mountain, which offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing during the winter months. To the south, underground tours of Ohio Caverns and homestead tours of the Piatt Castles are available. Northwest lies Indian Lake, perfect for boating and fishing, but also the location of year-round events and activities for adults and families. Marmon Valley Farm to the southeast offers horseback riding for individuals or groups as well as summer camp opportunities for kids.
The co-op’s small size doesn’t mean it doesn’t serve large consumers. The Honda plant in Russells Point is the co-op’s biggest consumer. Additional large power consumers — including SpartanNash, Indian Lake Local Schools, Benjamin Logan Local Schools, Heartland Egg Farm, and World Class Plastics — enjoy reliable service from Logan County Electric Cooperative, as well.
The power of human connections
Petty strives to maintain strong connections to each of the co-op’s consumer-members. “It’s important to keep engaging members at a hand-to-hand, heart-to-heart level,” he says. “We really try, at every touchpoint, to connect.”
Petty’s philosophy manifests in a variety of forms; it might be an invitation to members to attend informational sessions about high-speed internet, visiting schools to teach children about energy, or having a one-on-one conversation with a member over breakfast. The co-op also has a robust Operation Round Up program, allowing members to contribute to school programs, homeless and domestic abuse shelters, programs for special-needs children, and more.
Petty is a believer in actions, not just words. “The messaging isn’t enough without the connection,” he says. LCEC’s commitment to its membership allows employees to provide the best possible service to their consumer-members and to remain an active, engaged part of the Logan County community.
