Tri-State Electric was established November 9, 1948, at the office location on Toccoa Street, in Copperhill, Tennessee. There were six community-appointed representatives, J.M. Eaton Jr, J.R. Daves, Casteel Hawkins, S.L. Henson, T.R. Hyde, and J.L. Weeks, that assisted in establishing the Tri-State EMC we know today. An initial loan of $320,000 was granted from the Rural Electrification Administration to Tri-State EMC. The first manager position of the cooperative in 1948 was assigned to Mr. W.E. Speers. Mr. Speer brought 37 years previous managing experience to Tri-State, from the water and utilities of Blue Ridge and the Tennessee Electric Power Company. “Willie” Speer served as manager at Tri-State until 1968.

There were approximately 1886 customers provided electricity from 1949 to 1952. Albert Sosebee, Tommy F. Williams, and Johnny Keenum were among the staff responsible for the significant progress made during the years. The cooperative continued to reach out to the rural areas. Installation of electric lines, and providing education relating to the new “commodity” for customers at the Annual Membership Meetings, were among the agenda items for the first two decades. In 1968, Mr. Johnny Keenum, an existing employee for 20 years, was promoted to General Manager. Mr. Keenum served Tri-State as Manager until 1985. The coop experienced an incredible amount of growth during this administration. In addition, energy conservation became a priority goal for the future. Tri-State acquired the TVA substations at Copperhill and Epworth and opened a new headquarters building at the current location.

In 1985, Robert L. Sosebee, an employee for 19 years, succeeded as the next General Manager. The history of the coop faced many obstacles, the “Blizzard of 1993”, “Hurricane Opal in 1995”, “Snow Storm in January 1996", followed by the “Ice Storm of February 1996”. The destructive storms resulted in financial struggles for the management of Tri-State. The cooperative constantly moved forward, providing 3.5 miles of underground lines to assist the 1996 Olympic White Water event at the Ocoee River. The 1990’s history also includes the completion of the Blue Ridge Substation.
Mr. Sosebee retired from Tri-State in 2000.

In 2000, David J. Falls, was promoted to General Manager. Mr. Falls, was employed 28 years with the cooperative, serving 18 years as the office manager, prior to his appointment to the position. The cooperative is currently experiencing tremendous growth from both business and real estate development. Future changes are inevitable, however, the cooperative will continue to strive to provide excellent service for the members. Special thanks for the dedication to our previous and present employees and board of directors, as well as the continued support of our customers.