Our History

Our History: Bringing Power to Rural Communities

In the 1930s, electricity was still a dream for many rural residents across Hart, Stephens, Franklin, Madison, Banks, and Elbert counties. That dream began to become reality when Hart County EMC received its charter on November 20, 1937, followed by its first board meeting on December 4.

In 1938, the cooperative built its first 123 miles of line at a cost of $100,000. By 1948, Hart County EMC had expanded to 1,155 miles of line, bringing electricity to 5,232 members. Continued growth led to new facilities on the Elberton Highway in Hartwell in 1956 and the purchase of a warehouse in Toccoa in 1971 to better serve members in the northern part of the service area.

Today, Hart EMC serves members across six counties with more than 40,000 meters with 3746 miles of overhead lines and 592 miles of underground lines.  While technology has transformed the electric industry, our commitment to reliable, affordable power and outstanding service remains rooted in the vision of those who first brought electricity to our rural communities.

For many families, “the night the lights came on” was a moment they would never forget—a milestone as meaningful as a wedding or the birth of a child. It was the day a dream became reality, and that spirit continues to guide us today.  To learn more about our history, click here for a detailed history.