Press Release

Powerful & Cherokee County Electric Cooperative Association Reimagine How Members Connect Online with New Web Design

RUSK, TX — Serving East Texas has always been at the core of Cherokee County Electric Cooperative Association (CCECA). Now, that service extends further online with a redesigned website focused on how co-op members stay informed and get things done.

Created in collaboration with Powerful, the new platform introduces online forms, interactive mapping, and dynamic content that keeps updates visible. These features work together to help members move from question to action, supporting CCECA’s goal of shifting more routine interactions online.

The site centers on the tasks members rely on most. Visitors can pay bills, report outages, and start electric or broadband service through clearly defined pathways on the homepage. Online forms replace traditional paperwork, allowing submissions to be completed in one sitting. An interactive map helps members identify their service district and board representation by entering their address, offering a direct connection to cooperative leadership.

“When it comes to electric co-ops, it is always members first,” said Annie Watson, project manager at Powerful. “The CCECA team thought about members and focused on making everyday tasks—like paying bills, reporting outages, and starting electric and broadband service—quick to complete and easy to find.”

The cooperative’s homepage also highlights key programs and updates through structured promotional sections. Electric cooperative members can explore broadband options, learn about mobile app features, and stay connected through CCECA’s Facebook presence. A dynamic news section surfaces the latest announcements, helping ensure timely information remains visible.

“The end result is a site that is not only beautiful and a clear representation of their brand, but also gives them a flexible foundation to keep improving and growing the digital experience over time to work well for their members,” Watson said. “As a fellow Texan, I can say this is a site the CCECA team can be proud of and show off!”

“I feel very confident and I am very excited to utilize all of the tools the entire Powerful team has developed,” said Taylor Clay, Broadband Network Administrator at CCECA. “It is very clear to tell when a lot of thought went into the user interface behind not only a website, but into the backend that manages it.”

Clay noted the process remained manageable from start to finish. “The overall experience was phenomenal from start to finish. At no point were we overburdened with additional work to get our website up and running, and we were always sure that we could count on the Powerful team to answer any questions we had on best practices.”

Drawing on past experience, Clay emphasized the difference in approach. “I have worked with several website companies in the past over various projects. I wish I could say that they had all been this pleasant and easy to work with,” he said.

“What I can say is, that for my tenure we will not need to look anywhere else for website needs,” Clay said. “I STRONGLY recommend Powerful to assist you in bringing your cooperative/ organization into the modern age with your website. If you need a website built and do not have the bandwidth or the resources to do it on your own, Powerful is the answer to meet your needs.”

The new website provides CCECA with a platform that supports everyday interactions while keeping members informed and connected across East Texas.

About Powerful

Powerful is a leader in designing human-centered digital experiences for utility companies, enhancing digital interactions through innovative design and thoughtful technology. Their mission is to build lasting partnerships with utility organizations by creating engaging, visitor-friendly digital experiences across websites and mobile applications.

Specializing in functionality, visitor experience, and accessibility, Powerful tailors each project to the unique needs of their clients, ensuring digital tools are visually appealing, intuitive, and easy to navigate. With a focus on humanizing digital experiences, 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, delivering digital experiences that both inform and inspire.

About Cherokee County Electric Cooperative Association

Cherokee County Electric Cooperative Association (CCECA) has served East Texas since 1938. Today, the member-owned cooperative supports more than 17,000 members across Cherokee, Nacogdoches, Rusk, and Smith counties. With more than 3,300 miles of line and over 21,000 active meters, CCECA continues to provide reliable electric service while staying grounded in the cooperative values that have shaped the organization for generations.