AEC leaders meet with State ECD Commissioner Randy Boyd

Members consider high speed fiber broadband an essential service, much like water and electric.

Commissioner Randy Boyd (left) and AEC General Manager, Greg Williams (right)
Photo submitted

In a rare opportunity, AEC leaders met with State ECD Commissioner Randy Boyd recently to discuss various topics of interest to AEC members. The visit allowed the Cooperative to share information and research related to two current projects; Co-op Community Solar and the AEC / MUS broadband initiative. Recently the state launched an inquiry as to the current status of broadband service available throughout the state, particularly in rural areas such as the AEC service area.

During the meeting, AEC shared its preliminary results from a recent survey conducted by AEC and the Cities of White Pine, Dandridge & Jefferson City. Over 2,000 responses were received from members who consider high speed fiber broadband an essential service, much like water and electric. During the meeting, AEC also pledged to provide full details of its study and offered to work with the State of Tennessee in addressing this issue.

“AEC is a not-for-profit, member-owned utility. We’re constantly striving to bring value to our members,” says AEC General Manager, Greg Williams. “These discussions helped us move forward in responding to the needs of our membership”. AEC expects to have a final draft of the broadband feasibility study by February 2016.

Williams continued, “We look forward to working with Commissioner Boyd and the State of TN in promoting economic & community development throughout the AEC service area”.