Choptank Electric Cooperative
| Company type | Nonprofit cooperative |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electric utility |
| Founded | September 21, 1938 |
| Headquarters | Denton , United States |
Area served | Maryland's Eastern Shore (9 counties) |
| Products | Electricity |
| Parent | Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (member) |
| Website | www |
Choptank Electric Cooperative operates as a nonprofit utility cooperative providing electrical service to rural communities on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Established in 1938, its main office is located in Denton.
Electricity
As a member-owned cooperative, each member holds an equal vote in board elections. Choptank supplies electricity to more than 52,000 members within nine counties on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Its coverage area extends approximately 70 miles by 140 miles, supported by close to 6,200 miles of distribution infrastructure. In 2001, it was recognized as Maryland’s 11th largest energy provider. The cooperative is affiliated with Touchstone Energy and participates as a member of Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, which provides wholesale electricity to 11 distribution cooperatives across Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
History
Choptank was established on September 21, 1938, as a result of the Rural Electrification Act and energized its initial power lines by December 1939. It significantly contributed to electrifying rural areas on the Eastern Shore. The organization adopted the name Choptank Electric Cooperative in 1942 and became part of Old Dominion Electric Cooperative in 1976 to achieve lower wholesale power expenses.
On October 15, 2006, Choptank completed the purchase of the municipally owned St. Michaels Electric Utility for $12.2 million, incorporating around 4,000 additional customers. Since 1981, Delmarva Power had managed this utility under a lease agreement. In the same year, residents of Berlin approved selling their electric utility to Choptank due to elevated rates and outstanding debts; however, the transaction was canceled in 2007 after environmental issues caused Old Dominion Electric Cooperative to withdraw its support, leading Choptank to also retract from the acquisition.