Tanner Electric Cooperative was founded in 1936 as the “Mutual Power and Light Association of Tanner.” They provided electric service for people in the southeast area of North Bend who could not afford to pay the costs required by the power company.

The Cooperative’s original group approached the Rural Electrification Administration, and with the assistance of J.D. Ross (then Superintendent of Seattle City Light), they were able to obtain the first R.E.A. loan in the State of Washington. This $13,000.00 loan made it possible to construct 13 miles of line to 32 members. By the end of 1937, the contracts were set, and the Cooperative had their first 32 members. They purchased 6,000 kWh from Seattle City Light’s Cedar Falls plant, and the revenue that first year was $286.67.

From 1937 to 1947, all the Cooperative’s power was purchased from Seattle City Light at Cedar Falls. In 1947, they signed the first contract with the Bonneville Power Administration and began to purchase Bonneville power from Seattle City Light. The arrangement with Seattle continued until November 1966, when a new Bonneville contract shifted the point of delivery for power in the North Bend area to the North Bend substation of Puget Sound Power and Light Company.

Purchasing power from Puget Sound Energy

In 1954, the residences of Ames Lake tried to obtain power from Puget Sound Energy, but they were not successful. Later that year, Tanner Electric signed a contract with Puget Sound Energy to purchase power that would serve Ames Lake. That year, Tanner Electric constructed the necessary lines and began service to approximately 50 members.

By 2016, North Bend served 2,073 meters and Ames Lake served 1,450 meters.

In 1960, the Rural Electric Association (REA) asked the Cooperative to serve Anderson Island. They installed a two-mile submersible cable, and in late 1961, the first 44 members were connected.

By 2016, Anderson Island served 1,176 meters.

Tanner Electric membership

We have experienced quite a few changes since then. We now have 4,699 meters, both residential and commercial, within our membership.

Tanner Electric Cooperative is a non-profit utility company that puts people and community, not capital, at the center of their business. They contribute to the community through various organizations, such as the Snoqualmie Valley Rotary, Little League sponsorship, and the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce. They also provide scholarships to our local high school students whose parents are members of the Cooperative.