AREA is the resource through which its member systems individually and collectively receive services for the advancement of the state’s electric cooperative program.

The Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives (AREA) is the statewide trade association serving Alabama’s 22 electric distribution cooperatives, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Through AREA, all of Alabama’s electric cooperatives pool their resources to gain strength and efficiency on issues common to electric cooperatives. Services offered by AREA include legislative representation at the state and national levels, safety and training programs, environmental compliance consulting, worker compensation, health benefits plan, printing and design, youth and community programs, media relations and a monthly magazine for Alabama electric cooperative consumers.

AREA is a not-for-profit, member-owned organization controlled by a board of directors. Each member cooperative elects two members to the AREA board, the cooperative’s general manager and one trustee. From the full board, committees are chosen to work with the board and statewide management team to develop policies and set direction for the association.

AREA’s headquarters, which contains inside and outside training facilities, is in Montgomery.