Northwestern REC has been identified by Touchstone Energy Best Practices as the leading cooperative in the Nation on member engagement. Northwestern REC is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative providing service to over 20,000 members in Crawford, Erie, Warren, Venango, and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania and Ashtabula County, Ohio. To view a video about Northwestern REC, visit NorthwesternREC.com and click on the spotlight link or YouTube icon. Currently, Northwestern REC members enjoy an average residential rate that is 12-14% lower than the local investor-owned utility. “Looking out for our members’ best interests is our priority,” states Linda King, Vice President of Communications & Energy Solutions. “That includes providing best-in-class service to our members in all areas including technology, efficiency and affordability.” Members can view their electric usage online using SmartHub and see on an hourly basis how much electricity they are consuming. This knowledge empowers them to better manage their energy use and their pocket books! The Water Heater Program provides free 24/7 water heater service to over 45% of our members. This includes a new water heater when it is required. Members simply agree to allow the Co-op to manage when their water heater uses electricity (during less expensive times of the day). Members should never notice the interruption. This program helps keep rates lower for ALL members. Over $20 million in power costs have been avoided since the Water Heater Program began 30 years ago.