Who We Are

The Alberta Federation of Rural Electrification Associations Ltd. (AFREA) is a not for profit association registered in the Province of Alberta operating under the Rural Utilities Act. The AFREA is managed by an elected Board of Directors and funded by its membership. The Alberta Union of REAs was formed in 1950 and incorporated under the "Co-operative Associations Act" in June 1970 as the Alberta Union of Rural Electrification Associations Co-operative Limited. In June 1987 the AFREA takes on its current name. 

Rural Electrification Associations were, and are, a very important part of Alberta's history, providing rural communities with support for their electricity needs and services.

The AFREA currently represents 43 REAs with over 33,000 services throughout the Province of Alberta. The AFREA is committed to promoting the economic welfare and value of its cooperative members by providing strong representation to government and industry stakeholders with "one voice." As the umbrella organization, the AFREA sponsors workshops, facilitates networking opportunities, provides quality administrative services and supports relationships that are economically beneficial to its member REAs. This cooperative strategy is designed to assist REAs in attaining necessary steps to self-sufficiency while recognizing opportunities within the marketplace for the provision of reliable and efficient services to their own members.  

The AFREA provides effective leadership in all areas of operation. It begins by listening to the member REAs in order to identify their needs and interests. Although the goal is self-governance on an individual district level, the AFREA recognizes and appreciates the diversity within the membership and the necessity to facilitate cooperation. The AFREA, in representing the REAs, will seek their participation and input on various issues, matters and concerns unique to each REA, yet often common to all REAs.

Signature AFREA strengths can be identified as:

• The AFREA Board of Directors is elected from the membership and is, in turn, transparent and accountable to the members.
• Historical roots built the foundation of the AFREA and continues to be the backbone of the organization.
• A focused mission and defined business objectives serve to deliver our renewed vision of "innovative and dynamic" REAs.
• A corporate structure governed by policies and procedures ensure success without the distraction of profit. 

 Success for the AFREA is measured by the success of our member REAs.