Salem Electric

Salem Electric is an electric cooperative, owned by their members. Their seven-member Board of Directors is elected from, and by, their membership, each serving a three-year term. In March 1938, Harry Read, the owner of a Salem area radio station, signed a contract with the Bonneville Power Administration to purchase power. Three years later their system was energized serving 17 residential and five commercial members. In 1947, membership had grown to 655. Over the next few decades, membership expanded at a quick pace and Salem Electric now serves over 18,000 members.