about us
Wild Rose REA is a member-owned, not-for-profit Rural Electrification Association providing safe and reliable power to rural Alberta homes, farms, businesses and communities.
Providing safe and reliable power since 1947, Wild Rose REA owns and operates an electrical distribution system serving more than 2,700 members across five counties. Our work is grounded in reliable service, responsible system investment, local accountability and long-term value for the members and communities we serve.
As a co-operative, Wild Rose REA is owned by its members. Members elect the Board of Directors to act on their behalf and help guide the strategic direction, governance, financial oversight and policy of the Association. As a member, your vote is your voice.
Wild Rose REA exists to serve its members. Our team is focused on delivering safe, reliable power, providing responsive service and making decisions that support the long-term strength of the electrical system and the rural communities that depend on it.
history
At Wild Rose we can trace our roots back to 1947 when our first service was built. Today Wild Rose is a fully operational Electrical Utility.
Currently our Membership exceeds 2700 members and our Electrical Distribution System is spread across 5 counties.
Wild Rose is one of Alberta’s many REA’s that holds a strong place in Alberta’s history. Our historical roots are formed by the coming together of rural residents in cooperation, organization and hard work, making rural electrification a reality.
Many of our existing Members today, have ties to individuals in the surrounding communities that helped pioneer REA's in Alberta and shape Wild Rose into the resilient organization it is today.
ABOUT REA's
While Rural Electrification Associations were being built, the Alberta government was still struggling with the key policy decision — should power generation and transmission be publicly owned, as the Power Commission had suggested, or should it be privately owned?
This question was put to a plebiscite in 1948, and Alberta residents narrowly voted in favor of the private option. With the question settled, the government continued what the private electric companies had already been promoting — thus encouraging the further formation of REAs.
The first Rural Electrical Association was formed in 1947. By 1951, there were 356 REAs operating. They were, and still are, governed under the Rural Utilities Act.
Wild Rose is a proud member of the Power Co-ops of Alberta
Power Co-ops of Alberta represents the evolution of a distinctly Albertan solution to power delivery. What began 70+ years ago as individual Rural Electrification Associations has grown into a unified network of member-owned utilities setting industry standards across the province.
Learn more today.
2700
Members
79
Years in Business