Short Stories

Electric Cooperative-Beyond the Wires

The detective walked into the dark room with a hard look on his face. He knew that this could be the career changing investigation. The light from the single lamp illuminated the accused. The detective walked closer to the man sitting in the chair. “State your name and occupation,” he commanded.
    “I am Sparky Electric, and I am an electric cooperative ,” replied the man.“I don’t understand what is going on.” The detective leaned back in his chair and let out a slight chuckle.
    “I just need to ask you a few questions,” the detective replied. Sparky nodded and relaxed slightly in his seat. “Is it true that you are a non-profit organization?”
Sparky smiled at the question and replied, “Yes. All cooperatives exist to serve their communities instead of shareholders. They distribute and sell energy at cost and invest any excess revenue back into the electric system.” The detective nodded and scratched the growing stubble on his chin.
“Interesting,” he replied and jotted down notes on his notepad. “Who owns your business?”
Sparky smiled again and replied, “Electric co-ops are owned by the people they serve, not by the government, if that’s what you’re asking. Members elect board members to represent their interests and set policy and procedures for the co-op.” The detective wrote down more notes before looking back up into Sparky’s eyes. He knew his next question would be career changing.
“Do you help the community?”
“Oh, yes!” Sparky exclaimed. “We serve 2.5 million Tennesseans. That’s 1 in 3 Tennessee homes served by a co-op. We keep the lights on, recruit new industry such as factories, and educate the leaders of tomorrow through camps and competitions. Electric co-ops take seriously their responsibility to improve lives in their communities.” The detective looked taken aback by Sparky’s revelations. He looked down at his notes then back up at Sparky.
“Well, Mr. Electric, you’re free to go,” the detective said in a somber tone. Sparky stood from the chair and began to walk out the door when he turned around and look at the detective.
“Can you tell me why I was in here in the first place?”
“You were accused of insufficient work in the community, but it’s nothing for you to worry about. I can tell that you go beyond the wires that you work with,” the detective said with a smile as he held his hand out for a handshake. Sparky smiled brightly at the detective and shook his hand. He walked to the door and placed his hard hat on his head, heading out for another long day’s work.