Holston Electric Cooperative Announces HolstonConnect

ROGERSVILLE, TN — HolstonConnect, a wholly-owned, not-for-profit subsidiary of Holston Electric Cooperative, was established in late 2017 to provide fiber-based services to HEC members. HolstonConnect received approval from the cooperative’s board of directors in January to begin the initial phase of construction in 2018 and is now a step closer to providing services to HEC members’ homes.

“One of the most important components of the cooperative principals is concern for the community, and these services will improve the quality of life for our membership,” stated General Manager Jimmy Sandlin. “In fact, last spring we held district meetings and received an outpouring of support from the membership to install fiber to the home. Our research has shown that nearly 40 percent of our members do not have access to residential high-speed internet, the passage of the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act in 2017 has opened the door to allow electric cooperatives the opportunity to provide these essential services.”

Enabling Smart Grid Technology
Sandlin says the services provided by HolstonConnect will help to improve education, economic development and communication throughout Hawkins and Hamblen counties. Additionally, the fiber-based system will enable smart grid technology, making it more efficient, providing members additional control of their energy usage, and allowing two-way data flow. As technology, such as vehicles, batteries and distributed generation, are added to the electric grid, Holston Electric Cooperative will be better able to meet the needs of members.

The general manager also asks for the patience of the membership as the new business begins as there are many uncontrollable factors for HolstonConnect that will dictate when and where the first members will receive this service. HolstonConnect will be communicating the plan as details become available.
Sandlin says HolstonConnect most likely will provide digital video service, high-speed internet service, local and long-distance telephone services and gigabit data services across the service area. Information on these services will be released as details become available.