In the past, electric co-ops have played an important role in rural communities, and I believe that is their future, too.

-- Ashleigh Gaines, Satilla REMC, Alma, Ga.

Co-ops will always continue their mission. I suspect they will grow as the population grows and become even stronger.

-- Danek Torrey, Tri-County REC, Mansfield, Penn.

The partnerships that co-ops have with their communities will be hard to break. Co-ops can look forward to a long future.

-- Stephen Hejl, HILCO Electric Co-op, Itasca, Texas.

They will change, as the times change, but they have gone on for so long already, adapting and changing as they need to.

-- Lizzie Schimmel, BENCO Electric Co-op, Mankato, Minn.

Co-ops will stay. The co-operative model is a timeless one for the good of the people.

-- Kaitlyn McConnell, Webster Electric Co-op, Marshfield, Mo.

“Yes they will always be around providing access to electricity in rural areas that would be otherwise ignored.”

-- Jefferey McDurmont, Alabama Electric Co-op G&T, Andalusia, Ga.

The demand for electricity will be even greater in the future for access to the Internet and business opportunities. Co-ops will be providing it.

-- Bianca Yates, Farmers RECC, Glasgow, Ky.