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Section IndexService Territory Service TerritoryBlack River Electric Cooperative serves the rural areas of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties in South Carolina. Generally speaking, Black River service territory is bordered on the east by the Lynches River and on the west by the Wateree River. Service begins at the northern Kershaw County line and continues south to the Santee Lakes. For specific location information please contact our engineering department at engineering@blackriver.coop or phone our business office.
History
On May 4, 1938 the Articles of Incorporation were officially approved forming Black River Electric Cooperative, Incorporated. The Cooperative was formed by area residents to provide low-cost reliable electric service to rural South Carolina, an ideology still held today. The Cooperative established its headquarters at 13 Caldwell Street in Sumter. By December of 1940, 111 miles of line had been energized.
Throughout the 1950's and 1960's as the country grew, so did the Cooperative. By the end of 1969, the Cooperative had close to 10,500 members and over 2,170 miles of energized line. The 1970's brought changes in technology and locations. A branch office was opened in the Camden area and the headquarters was moved to its current location on North Pike Road West in Sumter. The 1980's saw a new warehouse built at the Sumter office and a new branch office in the Camden area.
Hurricane Hugo in 1989 forever changed the landscape of the Cooperative's territory. Those who worked throughout the storm shall never forget the devastation. Twenty-two days after the storm hit, the Cooperative was able to reconnect everyone ready for power.
The 1990's ushered in many economic developments in the Cooperative's territory. Black River Industrial Park has several businesses and the Cooperative is actively promoting the area to industrial prospects. The Cooperative also worked with Lee County to develop an industrial park near Interstate 20.
The Cooperative currently has 67 employees dedicated to the core belief of reliable service, quality customer service and democratic member ownership. With over 31,000 meters and 3,400 miles of energized line, the Cooperative continues to grow. You can click on the links below to view the 2008 Annual Report or a copy of the Cooperative Bylaws. Black River is committed to providing the membership with the most reliable, affordable service possible.
Board of Directors
The Cooperative is governed by a nine member elected Board of Directors. Each of the nine districts elects one Trustee to serve a three year term, with three districts electing a Trustee each year. A map of the districts is available at the corporate headquarters in Sumter.
Branch Office
The Camden Branch office is located off of Highway 1, north of Camden at 991 Black River Avenue in Cassatt. You may contact the office at 803-432-9854 or P O Box 685 Camden SC 29021 or camdenoffice@blackriver.coop.
Employee Contacts
C. H. "Herb" Leaird President & CEO
Engineering Manager
Mae Altman Dispatcher
Barbara Armstrong Credit Manager
David Branham Camden Branch Manager
Vicky LaJeunesse Bookkeeper
Consumer Accounts and Personnel
Bernard Montgomery Safety Coordinator
Rusty Riles Superintendent
Betty Welsh Office Manager/Comptroller
Lee Sigler Warehouse Manager/Purchasing Agent
Sherri Woodward Member & Public Relations Coordinator
Internet and Information Services
Departments
customerservice@blackriver.coop
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