2025 is a notable year for Victory Electric — the 80th anniversary of our founding. Victory Electric received its charter on June 1, 1945. The name of our cooperative recognized the victory of U.S. and Allied forces at the conclusion of World War II earlier that same year. After constructing transmission infrastructure over the next two years, Victory Electric energized its electric system on Aug. 13, 1947.

Rural electric history 
Although Dodge City first had electric lights in 1886, rural Kansas didn’t have electricity until much later. Only about 10% of rural homes in America had electricity by 1930 because it cost too much for electric companies to extend infrastructure to areas with a lower population density.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt understood the necessity of electrifying rural America. He established the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) by executive order in 1935, and Congress passed the Rural Electrification Act the following year. Transmission expansion and the development of rural electric cooperatives brought electricity to rural America’s farms and ranches in the following years. Thanks to REA, 417 cooperatives were established, serving 288,000 households.
Victory Electric was part of that cooperative effort. In the early days, Victory Electric served parts of nine southwest Kansas counties with around 300 miles of transmission and distribution lines. In 2025, we serve 13,000-plus members with more than 20,500 meters and over 3,200 miles of lines. 

Changing times
Victory Electric and the electric utility industry have experienced many changes in the past 80 years. Electrical technology has become much more sophisticated and efficient since our cooperative’s early days. Keeping up to date with the evolving needs of our industry and the challenges of providing energy in our always-on culture has become more costly and complicated. Victory Electric’s board and leadership team are committed to keeping costs as low as possible for our member-owners without sacrificing reliability or safety.
Enhancing the grid and updating aging infrastructure with modern technology boosts reliability and safety. Replacing transformers and cables with more efficient and long-lasting equipment improves reliability, too. Smart grids improve the monitoring and management of electricity distribution, enabling faster detection and response to issues or potential dangers. Automated systems can identify irregularities and isolate problem areas, reducing the risk of widespread outages and enhancing safety. 
Renewable energy sources continue to expand and complement our diverse electric generation portfolio. Victory Electric works with member-owners who are interested in installing a rooftop solar system so they can avoid scams and understand their options. For those who want to support renewable energy without the expense and hassle of rooftop solar, we offer a Community Solar program. Shares for this program are now only $4 each. 
Consumer education and empowerment have also changed over the years. Victory Electric takes its responsibility for educating members about electric safety and efficiency seriously , providing important information in print, online, and in person. 
Whether we are restoring power to members’ homes after a storm, sharing energy-efficiency tips to help you save money, strengthening grid security and reliability, or partnering with area groups on community development initiatives, Victory Electric has never stopped making our communities’ needs a priority. That commitment will continue in 2025 and beyond.
Eighty years ago, Victory Electric was built by members of the communities it served — and we remain focused on community today. We will keep powering the moments that matter as we provide safe, reliable, affordable energy to our member-owners. Have a great year!