About Us

Peace River Electric Cooperative (PRECO) is an electric distribution cooperative serving more than 50,000 homes and businesses in central Florida.

Counties Served

  • Brevard
  • DeSoto
  • Hardee
  • Highlands
  • Hillsborough
  • Indian River
  • Manatee
  • Osceola
  • Polk
  • Sarasota

Service Area

Our service area — divided into 9 geographic districts — extends from Ruskin on Florida’s west coast to near Vero Beach on the State’s eastern shore.

Our History

In 1940, local residents, through the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), formed this cooperative to provide themselves with electricity. At that time, no investor-owned electric utility would serve sparsely populated rural areas since it would reduce their profits.

Electric System

PRECO maintains approximately 3,500 miles of overhead and underground power lines.

Our Power Provider

PRECO does not generate electricity. We purchase electricity wholesale from Seminole Electric Cooperative, in Tampa, Florida.

Not-For-Profit Operation

PRECO operates on a not-for-profit basis and is exempt from federal income tax, but pays all other taxes, including state and local taxes.

Any net margin of revenue over expenses is credited to members in proportion to their electric use in the form of Capital Credits. This equity — an ownership share in the business — is returned to members when financially feasible to do so.