Origin & History
Lighting the Way: The Story of Thumb Electric Cooperative
Picture living miles from town with no electric lights, no running water, and no power for your tools. That was life in the Thumb before 1938.
Every June 18, Thumb Electric Cooperative quietly celebrates a milestone that forever changed life in Michigan’s Thumb.
On that date in 1938, the dream of bringing electricity to rural families became a reality — one sparked not by profit, but by people.
In the early 1930s, life on the farm was still largely lit by lantern.
While electricity had become commonplace in cities and towns, rural areas were left in the dark — quite literally. Power companies saw no reason to stretch lines across miles of farmland for just a handful of customers. But rural families believed there had to be a better way.
They found it in cooperation.
In May 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order creating the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), offering low-interest loans to help communities build their own electric systems. Just six months later, a group of determined Thumb residents gathered at Wadsworth School to learn more. Frank Wilson of Ubly emerged as a natural leader, and with others at his side, began organizing what would become Thumb Electric Cooperative.
By March 1937, over 5,500 farmers had signed up for service.
A formal loan application was submitted to the federal government, and on April 30, 1937, the cooperative received its first big break — $2 million in funding. The dream was now a plan.
The pace that followed was nothing short of remarkable.
Engineers began staking lines and designing infrastructure. On September 10, 1937, the first pole was set just north of Ubly. Farmers, hopeful and hands-on, began wiring their barns and homes in anticipation.
On June 18, 1938, Thumb Electric Cooperative energized its lines for the very first time.
Ruth and Wanda Wilson, daughters of Frank Wilson, turned the control wheel that sent electricity flowing from the Ubly power plant. Michigan Governor Frank Murphy threw the ceremonial switch, and just like that, 752 farm families saw the lights come on. What had once seemed impossible was now humming with life.
EXPANDING OUR MISSION
High-Speed Fiber Internet
In 2021, recognizing a growing digital divide in our rural communities, TEC began offering high-speed fiber internet to bring the same standard of reliability and service to broadband as we do with electric power. This expansion came in response to member demand and our mission to improve quality of life in the Thumb region.
Today, an increasing number of our members are connected to TEC Fiber — a fast, dependable internet service designed to support everything from remote work and learning to smart home technology and streaming.
Whether we’re powering your home or connecting your devices, TEC is committed to building a future where rural communities aren’t left behind.
Who We Serve
Electric Services: Serving approximately 12,500 member accounts across three counties, TEC maintains a robust infrastructure of lines, substations, and crews who work year-round to ensure reliable power delivery.
Fiber Internet Services: A growing number of members are enjoying lightning-fast connectivity through TEC Fiber, with service areas expanding as infrastructure is developed. To learn more about our fiber internet services and availability, click here.
What We Stand For
Community First: We live and work here too — we're invested in the prosperity and well-being of our neighbors.
Innovation with Purpose: From advanced metering to renewable energy planning, we look ahead with smart, practical solutions.
Transparency and Trust: Clear communication and accountability guide how we operate.
Looking Ahead
We are proud of where we’ve been — and excited for where we’re going. With electric and fiber internet services working side by side, TEC continues to evolve, delivering the essential services our members need to thrive in today’s world.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected Thumb region.