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rural communities could maintain and expand their systems. By the 1950s, most rural households had electricity, transforming not just the economy but also the daily lives of millions.
The fight against monopolies
In the 1950s and 1960s, the REA adopted creative strategies to engage rural communities and expand participation in cooperatives. Film strips and promotional materials often targeted farmers' wives, recognizing their influential role in decision-making. These campaigns highlighted the conveniences electricity could bring to the home, from running water to electric stoves, persuading families to join cooperatives and electrify their homes. As rural cooperatives grew in number and power, they faced continued opposition from IOUs. The most significant battle was Otter Tail Power Co. v. United States (1973). In this landmark case, the Supreme Court ruled against Otter Tail Power Company for blocking rural municipalities from developing their own electric systems. Not only did the IOUs need to allow the cooperatives to operate, but in many cases, they were required to help the cooperatives.
Rural electrification's legacy lives on, not just in the glowing bulbs of farmhouses but in the spirit of cooperation and progress it represents. As we look to the future of renewable energy and smarter grids, the story of rural electrification serves as a reminder that when there are large changes in the technological landscape, government appropriation is sometimes necessary to make sure the nation is not left behind.
This decision reinforced antitrust laws and was used as a precedent against telephone companies, like AT&T, during a similar situation with long-distance carriers in the 1980s and 1990s.
Legacy and lessons
The Rural Electrification Administration effectively ended in 1985 after fifty years. Today, it’s easy to overlook the poles and wires stretching out beyond the horizon, but they tell a remarkable story. Electrification didn’t just bring light to rural homes; it brought opportunity. It connected communities, enabled industry, and reshaped the American landscape.
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