On July 18, 2024, the Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative (PPEC) Board of Trustees unanimously voted to offer fiber internet as a new service. This decision follows several feasibility studies conducted earlier this year. The board aims to provide high-speed, reliable internet to its electric membership via fiber-to-the-home.
“Our goal will be to build and operate this new business just as we’ve operated the electric side: with our members and community first in mind,” said PPEC President and CEO Randy Price. “We will combine and leverage the electric plant’s benefits and infrastructure we’ve built over the last 89 years with the data transmitted through fiber to better serve you, our members, and future generations.”
In November 1935, PPEC was created by its members to provide electricity to rural areas where it was not profitable for larger companies. Today, PPEC seeks to address modern connectivity issues. Feasibility studies indicate that nearly 70% of PPEC’s membership lacks access to high-speed, reliable internet.
“As a utility, we experience daily frustrations due to a lack of connectivity,” Price said. “Without reliable and affordable broadband, everyone’s quality of life is impacted.”
“Concern for Community” is one of PPEC’s Seven Cooperative Principles driving this decision. Providing high-speed fiber internet is expected to support local economic development efforts, increase new business formation rates, improve remote healthcare access, and create job opportunities for residents.
Residential and commercial members who are currently unserved or underserved will be prioritized for connection. PPEC serves nearly 14,000 members across seven counties in northwestern Ohio and northeastern Indiana. Progress will depend on member interest in specific areas.
Fiber-optic internet refers to bringing service through ultra-thin strands of glass fibers that transmit data using light pulses instead of electric currents. Unlike copper wire or wireless signals from satellite connections, fiber-optic cables deliver data at the speed of light. PPEC plans to offer speeds up to 1 gigabit.
Planning, design, and engineering are set for the next year with the first member expected to receive service by fall 2025. The co-op aims to complete its member system by 2028; if non-member communities are included, completion may extend through 2030.
The internet and electric services will remain separate entities; electric rates will not increase due to fiber internet efforts. However, all members will benefit from connecting substations using fiber technology which enhances power outage detection and restoration capabilities.
For more information on updates or pre-registration available this fall visit www.ppec.coop/fiberupdates or contact PPEC at 800-686-2357 or email fiber@ppec.coop.
“The Paulding Putnam Electric Board of Trustees and staff are driven daily to be member—and community–focused,” Price said. “We look forward to serving you in this new capacity.”
Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative serves nearly 14,000 members in Paulding, Putnam, Defiance, Van Wert, Allen counties in Ohio; Adams and Allen counties in Indiana since its establishment in 1935.
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