Powerful Designs Modern Member Handbook Website for Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative
VAN ALSTYNE, TX — Service requirements, construction standards, and cooperative policies are rarely the first thing members want to search for. When they need them, though, they often need them for a specific reason: a project is moving forward, a new service request is being planned, or an important question needs a clear answer.
Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative (GCEC) recently partnered with Powerful to design a new Member Handbook website, creating a dedicated online resource for members, builders, and developers seeking guidance on cooperative policies, service requirements, safety information, and construction standards.
The new website is separate from GCEC’s main website, which was also designed by Powerful. It was created to help visitors find detailed handbook information in a more organized, approachable and modern format.
“We love that our website will allow our members to more easily access information and their member handbook right at their fingertips,” said Savanna Chandler, GCEC manager of communications.
GCEC identified the need for a digital resource that could support a range of real-world needs. A member may be reviewing service responsibilities before expanding meter counts. A builder may need electric specifications before work begins. A developer may be planning a project that requires a clear understanding of cooperative policies, safety requirements and construction-related expectations.
“Member engagement and education is a core principle of the electric cooperative model,” said Annie Watson, Powerful project manager for the site. “The GCEC team has a vision to reimagine the printed member handbook and make it available online for all members.”
The Member Handbook website transforms content that previously lived in PDF documents into web pages with clear pathways and focused topics. The site organizes information into major sections, including Membership & Governance, Policies & Tariffs, Safety & Legal Compliance, and Electric Specifications.
Visitors can begin with prominent homepage links or move through the global navigation to find tile-based pages with clearly labeled topics. This structure was designed to help visitors find information tied to a specific task, from reviewing installation requirements to understanding how GCEC policies apply to a property.
The project also reflects GCEC’s goal of presenting itself as a modern and forward-thinking cooperative. Through Powerful’s premium design process, the Member Handbook website was designed to feel cohesive with GCEC’s main website while giving the handbook content its own dedicated space and purpose.
Chandler said one of the most meaningful parts of the project was seeing the new resource take shape.
“My favorite part of the process was watching it all come to life,” Chandler said. “Your team does an incredible job of making all the steps enjoyable, which can be a hard task as some things feel overwhelming.”
Watson said the project helps make important information more accessible, even when the subject matter is detailed.
“This is meeting members where they are,” Watson said. “It puts information and resources that are not always fun topics readily available and easy to understand. Job well done!”
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 Grayson Collin Electric Cooperative
Founded in 1937, Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric cooperative serving North Texas. Formed through the rural electrification movement, the cooperative was established by local farmers and ranchers working together to bring power to areas that had been underserved. Today, GCEC continues to serve its members with a focus on dependable service, local accountability and providing the very best service at the lowest possible cost.
