How did rural Oklahoma get electricity?

Rural electrification in Oklahoma, as in many parts of the United States, was largely driven by the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), a federal agency established in 1935 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs. The REA played a crucial role in bringing electricity to rural areas that had previously lacked access. Here's how rural Oklahoma got electricity:

1. Creation of the Rural Electrification Administration (REA):

- The REA was established in 1935 with the mission to provide loans to electric cooperatives and public power districts for the purpose of constructing rural power lines.

- Oklahoma was one of the first states to benefit from REA funding.

2. Formation of Rural Electric Cooperatives:

- Rural electric cooperatives were formed by groups of farmers, ranchers, and other rural residents who wanted to bring electricity to their communities.

- These cooperatives received loans from the REA to build power lines and distribute electricity to their members.

3. Construction of Power Lines:

- With REA financing, rural electric cooperatives began constructing power lines to connect rural homes and businesses to the electrical grid.

- This infrastructure development brought electricity to areas that had never had it before.

4. Electrification of Rural Homes:

- Once the power lines were in place, rural residents could install electrical wiring and appliances in their homes.

- Electricity provided access to lighting, refrigeration, water pumps, and other conveniences that improved the quality of life in rural communities.

5. Community Development:

- Rural electrification had a significant impact on rural Oklahoma.

- It not only improved living conditions but also supported economic development by enabling the growth of small businesses and industries that required electricity.

6. Continued Expansion:

- The REA continued to provide loans to rural electric cooperatives for many years, allowing for the expansion of electricity access to even more rural areas in Oklahoma and across the United States.

Thanks to the efforts of the REA and the formation of rural electric cooperatives, rural Oklahoma was gradually electrified, transforming daily life for its residents and contributing to the overall development and progress of the region.