More than 350 members attended the Wood County Electric Cooperative (WCEC) annual meeting on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Gov. Jim Hogg City Park in Quitman. The meeting was held alongside the Wood County Old Settlers Reunion, and rain did not keep members away.
Outgoing CEO and General Manager Trey Teaff, who marked 30 years with the co-op, said rising operating costs had led to a recent rate adjustment. He said increases are made only when necessary and only for the amount needed. Teaff said the merger of WCEC's two wholesale power suppliers into East Texas Electric Cooperative helped lower costs. The co-op's Charitable Foundation, founded in 2017, reached more than $1 million in grants in 2026.
Board President Kenneth Langley announced $1.294 million in capital credits will be returned to members in December. Credits of $250 or less will be applied to electric bills, and larger credits will be paid by mail check. Board members Shane Mitchell, Freddie Ray Jones and Langley were re-elected by member consent after running unopposed. Blake Moore became CEO and general manager on Oct. 1.