A little rain didn’t keep Wood County Electric Cooperative (WCEC) members away from the cooperative’s annual meeting Saturday, Oct. 31, at Gov. Jim Hogg City Park in Quitman. Held alongside the Wood County Old Settlers Reunion, the meeting brought more than 350 members together under the pavilion.

Outgoing CEO and General Manager Trey Teaff reflected on his 30 years with WCEC, including six years leading the co-op. Since Teaff joined WCEC in 1996, the co-op has grown from 24,853 to 42,560 meters, and its distribution system has expanded from 3,862 to 5,372 miles of line.

Teaff addressed rising operating costs and the recent rate adjustment, explaining that increases are made only when necessary and only for the amount needed. He also said the merger of WCEC’s two wholesale power suppliers into one, East Texas Electric Cooperative (ETEC), helped reduce administrative and power costs and minimize the rate adjustment.

Teaff also recognized the Wood County Electric Charitable Foundation and the members who contribute to Operation Round Up. Founded in 2017, the foundation reached a milestone in 2026, having awarded more than $1 million in grants to local nonprofits and community programs. Nearly 22,000 participating members contributed an average of 50 cents per month by rounding up their electric bills.

WCEC Board President Kenneth Langley presented the co-op’s financial report6and announced the retirement of $1.294 million in capital credits, which will be distributed to members in December.

Members with credits of $250 or less will have the amounts applied to their electric bills issued Dec. 8-30. Those with credits of more than $250 will receive checks by mail. For prepaid accounts, credits will be applied as a prepayment for electricity.

Langley also announced the re-election of incumbent board members Shane Mitchell, District 2; Freddie Ray Jones, District 7; and Langley, District 3. In accordance with WCEC bylaws, all three incumbents were re-elected by member consent after running unopposed. Langley also recognized Teaff for his 30 years of service and leadership.

Blake Moore, who became WCEC’s CEO and general manager Oct. 1, spoke about his commitment to providing safe, reliable electric service while maintaining the co-op’s financial strength.

“WCEC has a strong history of serving its members and supporting the communities we serve,” Moore said. “I’m grateful for the solid foundation Trey and our employees have built. I’m enjoying meeting members, getting involved in the community, and continuing the care and work that has made WCEC a strong co-op for more than 85 years.”

Following the meeting, members participated in prize drawings sponsored by WCEC vendors and partners. Eight members won $100 electricity credits: Faith Building Ministries, Winnsboro; Kylie See, Quitman; Suzy Windle, Mineola; Gilbert Smith, Quitman; Rita Reed, Quitman; Kirk Madariaga, Quitman; Cindy Oliviera, Fruitvale; and Darlene Mullican, Quitman. David Terrell of Quitman won the grand prize, a $500 prepaid gift card. The winner was drawn from members attending the meeting.

The annual meeting gave members an opportunity to hear updates on the cooperative’s operations, finances and leadership while participating in the Old Settlers Reunion. Wood County Electric Cooperative is a nonprofit electric cooperative serving more than 42,000 meters in parts of nine Northeast Texas counties: Camp, Franklin, Hopkins, Rains, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood. More information is available at www.wcec.org.