Who We Are

Mission

South Central Indiana REMC is a trusted cooperative serving our diverse communities with innovative energy solutions and life-enhancing services.

SCI REMC was established in 1939 and is the largest rural electric cooperative in Indiana. Electric cooperatives were organized by people living in rural areas who banded together to supply electricity to their own homes, where investor-owned utilities refused to go (and still do). We are a non-profit owned and operated by the 28,200 members we serve across 7 counties.

SCI REMC is a leader among other co-ops in its technological advancements and community involvement. SCI REMC hosts several community programs, including Operation RoundUp, where our members round up their electric bill payments to the nearest dollar. Through this program, our members have distributed more than $3.8 million in grants for area charitable organizations and civic groups. In addition, SCI REMC sponsors various community events and energy programs for youths. SCI REMC is also leading the way in energy efficiency programs, constantly educating its members about the importance of when to use energy and how to use less energy while offering energy management services. Some of those services include free online energy calculators, free home energy audits, and rebates.

Values

We seek to build trust through the following values:

  • Fiscal responsibility
  • Accountability
  • Member-focused
  • Integrity
  • Community-oriented
  • Innovation
  • Reliability
  • Safety
  • Employees
  • Environment 

What Is a Cooperative?

A cooperative is a business owned by its customers, known as members. Anyone who receives power from South Central Indiana REMC is part owner of the business. SCI REMC is one of 38 rural electric cooperatives in Indiana.

Electric cooperatives were organized throughout the state in the 1930s. At that time, investor-owned utilities were supplying power in urban areas but would not supply electric power to rural customers. This was common across the country at this time in history. People living in rural areas saw that those in cities had electricity and wanted it as well. As a result, with loans from the Rural Electrification Administration, rural communities banded together and created electric cooperatives.

History

Black and white photo from SCI REMC's 40th annual meeting1939 – Morgan County Rural Electric formed primarily servicing Morgan County. Gradually expanded territories to include seven counties: Morgan, Monroe, Brown, Owen, and portions of Clay, Putnam, and Johnson.

1990 – Changed name to South Central Indiana REMC to better identify the service area.

1995 – Started Operation RoundUp ® with the philosophy of giving back to the community through funding of grants to schools, churches, civic organizations, fire departments, and other not-for-profit organizations as well as some individuals. Each month, members who wish to participate allow SCI to automatically round up their electric bill to the next highest dollar.

Old black and white photo of workers setting a pole1998 – Joined Touchstone Energy ®, a national alliance of consumer-owned electric cooperatives providing high standards of service to customers large and small.

1999 – Formed SCI Services LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary, to offer ancillary products and services: security and life safety products, long-distance services, and metered propane gas.

2003 – Implemented one of the cooperative’s first in-house Outage Reporting & Dispatch Centers using state-of-the-art technology and interactive voice equipment.

2004 – Launched the first high-speed Internet service in the state of Indiana using broadband over power lines. Started own in-house right-of-way crew for line clearance and vegetation management of power lines.

Old black and white photo of a worker on a power pole2005 – REMC invested $4.4 million in new lines and equipment, as well as upgrades to maintain reliable service.

2007 – Installation of automated meter reading (AMR) and SCADA equipment to reduce outage time, meter reading, and other power management functions.

2010 – Solar panels are installed in front of the SCI REMC headquarters. The panels are used to power the electronic sign display.

2013 – SCI REMC moves operations into new headquarters building at 300 Morton Ave. location.

2014 – SCI REMC celebrates the 75th Anniversary with Mayoral Proclamation.

Old black and white photo of workers setting a street light2015 – Operation RoundUp celebrates 20 years. More than $2.8 million total is given to the community since its inception in 1995.

2016 – Dedication and ribbon cutting of solar array in Ellettsville, Indiana, 4,100 panels, 10-acre, 1MW installation (or array) to bring renewable energy to its members.

2020 – Operation RoundUp celebrates 25 years. More than $3.3 million total is given to the community since its inception in 1995.

Flipping the Switch in Rural Indiana

SCI REMC Facts

  • SCI REMC stands for South Central Indiana Rural Electric Membership Corporation
  • Incorporated June 24, 1939
  • Overseen by 9-Member Board of Directors
  • Largest of 38 electric distribution cooperatives in Indiana
  • 34,000 meters in 7 counties; Morgan, Monroe, Brown, Owen, Putnam, Clay, and Johnson
  • Owns and maintains 4,003 miles of line, 2,506 overhead, and 1,497 underground
  • Total assets $299 million
  • Annual revenue $99.7 million
  • Employs 160 Hoosiers
  • Member of National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC), Hoosier Energy
  • 2020 marked the 25th anniversary of Operation RoundUp; members have given more than $3.8 million total back to the community