Economic Development

Who we are

URE is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric and natural gas distribution cooperative. We were founded in 1936 and today serve over 11,500 residential, commercial, and industrial accounts primarily in Union County, Ohio. We are guided by the 7 Cooperative Principles and governed by a democratically elected board of trustees made up of seven residential members, each representing a unique district. 

Buckeye Power, Inc. (BPI) is URE’s generation and transmission provider. BPI is owned and governed by the twenty-four Ohio electric cooperatives. Visit www.ohioec.org to learn more.

The Cooperative Difference  

We are a 501(c)(12) cooperative as defined and classified by the Internal Revenue Service. That means we are required each year to allocate excess revenues after expenses to each member in proportion to their use. These allocations are recorded in a special member credit account, are usually kept for an industry standard twenty years, and are a critical piece of the Cooperative’s overall financial strategy.  

As the financial condition of the Cooperative permits and the Board of Trustees approves, the member credits are refunded. Since 1969, URE has refunded over $34 Million in member credits. Cash Back is The Cooperative Difference! 

Economic Development is in our DNA  

From the time we energized our first lines in 1937, URE has played an active role in the economic development of the City of Marysville and Union County. We are proud of the quality-of-service reputation we have built with developers, elected and appointed officials, and the communities we serve.   

We have a successful history of providing services for residential, commercial, and industrial developments, as evidenced by:  

• In 1979, we provided electric service to the newly built Honda motorcycle plant. And, in 1982, the Honda automobile manufacturing plant was added to our territory – making URE the first electric cooperative in the U.S. to serve such a facility. 
• In 2004, recognizing URE’s service reputation and commitment to community, the City of Marysville granted URE a franchise agreement to serve the Coleman’s Crossing development. This development has been home to Honda automobile and motor sports dealerships, national grocery and retail stores, restaurant chains, hotels, multi-tenant housing, and locally owned businesses.
• In 2000, we served 6,500 members. Based on our recent growth trends, we project to double our members served by 2026. Growth is our norm. We stand ready to serve the future development needs of the City of Marysville and Union County communities.