Ouachita Electric Cooperative Corporation Enhances Member Connection Through Website Design by Powerful
CAMDEN, AR — Ouachita Electric Cooperative Corporation (OECC) recently partnered with Powerful to launch a redesigned website built around clearer member service, stronger online engagement and a more modern cooperative experience.
OECC serves rural communities in Arkansas with electric service shaped by cooperative values, including democratic member control, education and concern for community. The redesigned website gives those values a more visible role online by helping members find important resources, complete common tasks and stay connected to cooperative programs.
The project focused on increasing engagement, encouraging more interaction with online tools and reflecting OECC as a forward-thinking cooperative. Powerful worked with the OECC team to identify the cooperative’s top communication priorities and organize the site around the information members need most often.
“Being a small co-op, serving a rural community, the Ouachita team needed a website experience that was welcoming for all generations and easy-to-use for both members and employees,” said Stacey Horton, Powerful project manager and designer for the site.
The redesigned homepage places high-priority tasks near the top of the page, including payment options, outage resources, ARIS Internet, membership information and engineering specifications. The site also features online forms for community-focused programs, including NRECA Youth Tour, Operation Round Up and the Lineman Training Program Scholarship.
Horton said the blueprint selection helped support a warm, approachable design.
“By going with the Sunnybrook blueprint, they could achieve an inviting look and feel for their website through the playful, curved lines and muted greens in their color palette,” Horton said.
The design also supports OECC staff by giving the team manageable areas for updates, including news and announcements. That structure helps the cooperative keep members informed while promoting timely information across the website.
“This blueprint also allows the team to highlight top tasks within the first scroll of the page for easy access, as well as keep members informed with a news section that’s easy to update in the backend,” Horton said.
A key feature connects the site’s design to OECC’s cooperative structure. The Service Area KML Map turns district information into a more visual experience, helping members better understand local representation and how the cooperative’s service area is organized.
“One of the more exciting developments of this project though had to have been the Service Area KML Map, which allows for site visitors to search which district they are in and find out who their Director is,” Horton said.
Horton said the collaboration reflected the cooperative’s commitment to its members.
“Overall, the Ouachita team was a true pleasure to work with and I’m excited for them to share their new digital home with their members!” Horton said.
About Powerful
Powerful is a leader in designing human-centered web design experiences for broadband and electric co-ops as well as other utility companies; enhancing website interactions through innovative design and thoughtful technology. Their mission is to build lasting partnerships with electric cooperatives and utility organizations by creating engaging, visitor-friendly digital experiences across websites and mobile applications.
Specializing in website functionality, website visitor experience, and web accessibility, Powerful tailors each web design project to the unique needs of electric co-ops they partner with, ensuring digital tools are visually appealing, intuitive, and easy to navigate. With a focus on humanizing website experiences, their team is dedicated to understanding the specific challenges and goals of each utility organization, crafting solutions that foster meaningful connections and drive engagement. Through a meticulous design process and commitment to excellence, Powerful helps utilities connect more effectively with their communities, delivering website experiences that both inform and inspire.
About Ouachita Electric Cooperative Corporation
Ouachita Electric Cooperative Corporation (OECC) is a member-owned electric cooperative serving rural communities in Arkansas. Guided by the 7 Cooperative Principles, OECC provides dependable electric service while supporting programs that strengthen the communities it serves. The cooperative is built on the belief that neighbors helping neighbors can improve quality of life for all members.
