Pioneer Electric Cooperative believes in open communication and accountability. As a member-owned cooperative, transparency isn’t just a policy—it’s a fundamental principle guiding how we operate. This commitment ensures that Southern Pioneer Electric Co, alongside Pioneer Electric Cooperative, works diligently in the best interests of its member-owners.
At its core, Pioneer Electric exists to deliver reliable electric service at the most affordable cost, while responsibly managing risks that could affect our member community. Our mission extends to fostering economic growth within the rural communities we serve, mirroring the opportunities found in urban areas. Unlike investor-owned utilities, Pioneer Electric is a not-for-profit entity. We have no shareholders seeking dividends, and our focus is solely on our members. Operating on capital provided by these very members, any excess revenue collected is reinvested or returned to them. This structure defines us: member-owned, member-governed through an elected Board of Trustees, and member-operated by our dedicated employees. Therefore, Southern Pioneer Electric Co is inherently member-focused, aligning our goals directly with those we serve.
This cooperative business model means that Southern Pioneer Electric Co’s interests are perfectly synchronized with our member-owners. We operate two distinct electric utilities within Kansas – one in the southwest and another in the south-central region – each tailored to the specific needs of its service area, yet both unified under the Pioneer Electric Cooperative umbrella.
Image alt text: Map of Kansas highlighting the service areas for Pioneer Electric Cooperative and Southern Pioneer Electric Company, showcasing their combined utility operations in southwest and south-central Kansas.
Pioneer Electric Cooperative: Operating as a 501(c)(12) Electric Cooperative, Pioneer Electric maintains a not-for-profit status and is self-regulated by its member-owners, emphasizing local control and responsiveness.
Southern Pioneer Electric Company: In contrast, Southern Pioneer Electric Company operates as a taxable not-for-profit C-corporation. While also not driven by profit for shareholders, it is regulated by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), ensuring compliance and standardized practices within the state’s utility framework.
The executive leadership and Board of Trustees of Pioneer Electric Cooperative oversee the operations of both utilities. This shared management structure is designed for efficiency. Staff salaries and board member per diem are strategically allocated between both entities, a practice that results in cost savings for both Pioneer Electric Cooperative and Southern Pioneer Electric Company by avoiding redundant administrative expenses. By consolidating certain roles and eliminating duplicate positions across Pioneer Electric and Southern Pioneer, we actively work to reduce operational costs for the benefit of all members.
The Benefit to You
This efficient operational model directly translates to savings for our members. Pioneer Electric Cooperative boasts the lowest residential electric rates among all electric cooperatives in Kansas, and our rates remain significantly below the average charged by investor-owned utilities in the state.
Our Performance and Community Commitment
We are proud of our performance metrics, which reflect our dedication to service and community.
- Pioneer Electric achieved a customer satisfaction score of 90 on the most recent American Customer Satisfaction Survey (ACSI), demonstrating our commitment to service excellence.
- In 2020, Pioneer Electric retired $4,900,000 in capital credits to our members, directly returning profits back to those we serve.
- Demonstrating our commitment to the communities we serve, Pioneer Electric and Southern Pioneer Electric Co have jointly contributed $302,800 to local community organizations between 2018 and 2020. A significant portion of these funds was generated through environmentally conscious metal recycling initiatives.
- Investing in the future, we have awarded a combined $128,500 in college scholarships to local high school students from 2018 to 2020, supporting the educational aspirations of our youth.
- Further enriching educational opportunities, Pioneer Electric and Southern Pioneer Electric Co sponsored 17 local high school students for youth tour trips from 2018 to 2020, providing valuable experiences and leadership development.
- Through Pioneer Electric’s Rural Economic Development Loan Program, we have approved 17 loans totaling $4,611,300. These strategic investments have supported projects valued at $22,142,530 and created 104 new jobs across 10 counties in southwest and south-central Kansas, stimulating regional economic vitality.
- Collectively, Pioneer Electric and Southern Pioneer Electric Co contribute over $5,800,000 annually in property taxes, supporting local infrastructure and public services within our service areas.
Leadership and Broader Responsibilities
- Pioneer Electric and Southern Pioneer Electric Co are collectively one of six member-owners of Sunflower Electric Power Corporation (SEPC). This collaborative membership allows us to leverage collective resources for greater efficiency and grid reliability.
- To actively guide the direction and resource allocation of SEPC, Pioneer Electric and Southern Pioneer Electric Co ensure that our CEO and a board member serve on the SEPC Board of Directors, representing our members’ interests at a regional level.
Accessing Our Form 990 for Full Transparency
- Pioneer Electric Cooperative has diligently filed Form 990s since 1944, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to transparency.
- The Form 990 is a publicly accessible document, providing complete visibility into our financial operations.
- This comprehensive report details our recent financial statements, margins, expenditures, investments, and compensation for directors, key employees, and contractors.
- To ensure financial integrity, Pioneer Electric undergoes an annual audit by BKD, LLP, a reputable independent accounting firm. This rigorous audit confirms that our financial statements and records are accurate, reliable, and compliant with generally accepted accounting principles.
- The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has reviewed executive compensation at Pioneer Electric, Southern Pioneer Electric Company, and other regional cooperatives as part of their oversight in transmission rate filings. The KCC concluded that our compensation methodology is fair and reasonable.
- Annually, Pioneer Electric utilizes the national benchmarking tools provided by our national organization, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), to ensure competitive and equitable compensation ranges for each position, based on comparable electric cooperatives nationwide.
Do You Have Questions?
For any inquiries regarding Pioneer Electric or Southern Pioneer Electric Co, please don’t hesitate to contact our office directly at 1-800-794-9302. We are here to provide you with the information you need.
Resources:
For your convenience and further information, we provide direct links to our most recent Form 990 and additional resources below.
2021 Form 990
Form 990 Overview
