Electric Co-ops Empower Remote Villages in Bolivia

The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC) is pleased to announce the completion of a volunteer electrification project that took place in August 2016 in the Amazonian area of Bolivia. This project, named “Energy Trails,” is a joint partnership between OAEC and the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. Bringing electric service for the first time to two remote villages, the electrification project was possible through the coordination of NRECA International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

On August 1, 2016 eight co-op volunteers left Oklahoma City and headed to Riberalta, Bolivia –their final destination. Volunteers worked for the next 15 days alongside Missouri co-op linemen and local linemen from Cooperativa Electrica Riberalta. The project was comprised of 280 poles in an area spanning 10 miles and brought electric service to the villages of Dos de Junio and El Torito in the outskirts of the city of Riberalta. As a result, 361 families now enjoy electricity for the first time.

“Rural electric cooperatives are known for bringing power to areas that would not otherwise enjoy electricity,” Chris Meyers, OAEC general manager, said. “It’s rewarding to know we made a difference in the lives of families who are striving for a better quality of life.”