Case Study

Northern Neck Electric Cooperative

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GO-Live Date

December 19, 2023

Trusted Web Experts

Charlie Stanley Web Solutions Architect
Leanna Thesken Project Manager
Imelda Sotiri Design Strategy & Style Tiles
Cruz Baciewicz Design & Layout
Nikki Vanderkooi Content Strategy
Katie Morman Content Visualization
Tabi Kashif Content Integration
Heather Clark Content Revisions
Kenneth Kimbrell Web Hosting Setup
Zeeshan Aziz Web Developer
Mehran Aziz Development Revisions
Callum Creed Quality Assurance
Michael Confalone Website Launch & Support
Deanna Frimann Resource Allocation

Goals

Design RefreshIncrease EngagementNISC SmartHub Login IntegrationPrioritize Member Needs
Visit Northern Neck Electric Cooperative

Services

Floor Plan

Blueprint

Overview

About

Rooted in the cooperative principles, Northern Neck Electric Cooperative (NNEC) provides reliable electricity to rural communities in Virginia. In a strategic move to enhance its service and member engagement, NNEC partnered with Powerful. This collaboration was driven by a shared vision to create a more interactive, visitor-friendly, and community-centric online presence for NNEC. The primary goals included streamlining online services, improving member communication, and reinforcing NNEC’s commitment to its members and the community.

Concern for Community

At the heart of the redesign was a member-centric approach, deeply rooted in the cooperative principles, particularly “concern for community”. One of the standout features is the news section, which is now a dynamic hub for the latest updates and announcements, keeping members informed and engaged.

Another significant aspect of the redesign was the integration of Powerful’s “Looped In” app. This innovative application allows members to sign up for e-notifications for new job postings and news updates, significantly enhancing the connection between NNEC and its members. Looped In strengthens the community bond, as members are encouraged to participate more actively in cooperative affairs, whether by applying for jobs, attending events, or engaging with the latest news.

Streamlined Services

In line with NNEC’s commitment to member service and convenience, their new website features a seamless SmartHub integration. This integration was a critical component of the redesign, aimed at empowering members with the ability to effortlessly manage their accounts, view their usage, and pay bills online. The SmartHub feature was designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind, enabling members to access important information and complete transactions with just a few clicks. SmartHub’s integration addresses the modern member’s need for quick, accessible service, highlighting NNEC’s commitment to providing high-quality, responsive services.

NNEC’s redesigned website represents a significant stride forward in aligning innovation with the cooperative principles. By focusing on elements such as the dynamic news section, the integration of the Looped In app, and the seamless SmartHub functionality, the website effectively encapsulates the cooperative’s commitment to community concern, member engagement, and service excellence. This project illustrates how thoughtful design and technology can work hand in hand to enhance the cooperative experience, ensuring that NNEC remains a responsive, member-focused, and community-oriented organization.

Challenges

NNEC was challenged in evolving its website to better meet the changing needs and expectations of its members. The redesign needed to simplify complex processes without sacrificing the depth of information and functionality. Recognizing the diverse demographics of its member base, NNEC aimed to create a balance between simplifying visitor interactions and retaining comprehensive service offerings, ensuring that the website would be both accessible and informative for all members.

Solutions

To address these challenges, Powerful implemented a promotional blueprint. This blueprint was carefully crafted based on visitor behavior data and member feedback, ensuring that the most essential and frequently accessed services were prioritized. Key tasks such as starting or stopping services, obtaining real-time outage information, and scheduling appointments were strategically placed for high visibility and ease of access.

Results

The promotional blueprint effectively streamlines the visitor experience, making it easier for members to quickly complete their intended tasks. This approach aligns perfectly with the cooperative principles, as it empowers members with easy access to essential services, reinforcing their role as key stakeholders in the cooperative. By prioritizing ease and efficiency, the redesigned website enhances the individual member experience while embodying the cooperative spirit of putting member needs and interests at the forefront of its operations.

I am immensely proud of what we've achieved with Northern Neck Electric Cooperative's new website! This project was a blend of technological innovation and a deep understanding of cooperative values. The result is more than just a website; it's a vibrant, engaging online space that truly reflects the spirit of NNEC and sets a new standard for member-focused innovation.

Leanna Thesken

Project Manager

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