Powerful & Big Bend Electric Cooperative Collaborate to Modernize Member Services Online
RITZVILLE, WA– Big Bend Electric Cooperative’s new website brings utility services closer to its members than ever before. Designed by Powerful, the revamped site emphasizes intuitive navigation, modern design, and tools tailored to meet members’ needs.
The redesigned website focuses on improving access to essential information and features, such as the Capital Credits Lookup Tool, which allows members to quickly find unclaimed credits. The tool streamlines a previously manual process, making it easier and more efficient for members to engage with their cooperative. This tool reflects the cooperative principle of Member Economic Participation, ensuring members can directly access the benefits of their financial contributions to BBEC. By simplifying the process, this tool reinforces BBEC’s commitment to transparency and empowering its members.
“BBEC’s members rely on them not just for power, but for clarity and connection,” said Leanna Thesken, Project Manager at Powerful. “Our goal was to design a site that reflects that trust and extends their great in-person services online. From simplifying tasks like bill payments to ensuring important tools like the Capital Credits Lookup are intuitive, every detail was crafted with members in mind.”
In addition to advanced tools, the new site incorporates visualized pages to simplify complex topics like understanding bills, starting new construction projects, and exploring payment options. The use of clear visuals and concise explanations ensures members can easily find and comprehend the information they need. This approach turns what could be overwhelming details into digestible and engaging content.
At the foundation of the redesign is a dynamic homepage powered by Powerful’s Laurelhurst Promotional blueprint. This flexible layout allows BBEC to update key content as communication priorities shift throughout the year, from seasonal energy tips to various cooperative initiatives. Prominent call-to-action buttons provide quick access to essential services, such as paying a bill, reporting an outage, or starting new service, ensuring members can easily navigate the site.
The new website is designed to be a natural extension of BBEC’s member-focused service, bringing the same care and attention online that members have come to expect in person. This redesign reflects BBEC’s dedication to staying responsive to their members’ needs while leveraging technology to improve their services.
About Powerful
Powerful is a leader in designing human-centered websites for utility companies, enhancing digital interactions through innovative design and advanced technology. Their mission is to build lasting partnerships with utility organizations by creating engaging, visitor-friendly digital experiences. Specializing in functionality, visitor experience, and accessibility, Powerful tailors each project to the unique needs of their clients, ensuring websites are visually appealing, intuitive, and easy to navigate. With a focus on humanizing websites, their team is dedicated to understanding the specific challenges and goals of each client, 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, providing websites that both inform and inspire.
About Big Bend Electric Cooperative
Big Bend Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative that has served Adams and Franklin counties in Eastern Washington since 1939. BBEC is dedicated to delivering safe, reliable electricity and providing exceptional service to its members with integrity and transparency.
