TCEC Highlights Historic Debt Reduction in 2025 Annual Report

Tri-County Electric Cooperative has released its 2025 Annual Report, marking a transformative year for the utility. The report details historic financial progress, improved service reliability, and a cultural shift centered on member value.

Record Financial Progress

TCEC reduced debt by $64.9 million in 2025,  a 7.23% reduction and the largest single-year debt decrease in the Cooperative's 86-year history. The achievement reflects disciplined financial management and operational decisions made with member interests as the priority.

Member equity grew from 30.08% to 33.72%, positioning TCEC to reach 37% equity in 2026. This improved equity ratio means members own more of the Cooperative's assets with proportionally less debt.

"This progress didn't come from one decision. It came from hundreds of smaller ones, made consistently and with members in mind," said Scott Spence, TCEC President and CEO. "Every choice we made this year focused on building long-term financial health and operational durability."

Enhanced Member Service

The Cooperative delivered significant service improvements in 2025:

• Call wait times reduced by 95%—from over seven minutes to under 35 seconds
• System reliability maintained at 99.98%—keeping power flowing when members need it most
• $40 million annual subsidy drain eliminated—stopping a practice that had added $240 million to debt over time
• Five-year power supply agreement implemented—protecting members from market volatility like the price spikes experienced during Winter Storm Uri

Community Investment

TCEC invested directly in the communities it serves, with all programs funded by unclaimed funds, at zero cost to member rates:

• $250,000 in scholarships for students
• $386,475 in energy efficiency rebates
• $100,265 in hardship assistance for members facing financial challenges

Cultural Foundation

The Cooperative formalized the TCEC Essential Attributes in 2025—ten core values that guide daily decisions and define how team members serve. The inaugural TCEC Essential Attributes Awards received 192 peer nominations from employees, showing that the values are practiced daily, not just principles on a wall.

TCEC also celebrated 24 employees reaching service milestones, representing 285 combined years of institutional knowledge and dedication.

Building Toward the Centennial

As TCEC looks ahead to its 100th anniversary in 2039, the 2025 results provide a strong base for continued operational excellence and financial stability. The Cooperative remains committed to its core mission: providing safe, and reliable power at the lowest possible cost to members.

The full 2025 Annual Report is available at tcectexas.com/annual-report.