Powerful Helps West Oregon Electric Cooperative Elevate Accessibility With New Website
VERNONIA, OR — When a cooperative serves some of Oregon’s most rugged and forested terrain, accessibility matters just as much online as it does in the field. That’s why West Oregon Electric Cooperative (WOEC) partnered with Powerful to launch a redesigned website focused on clarity, modern design and easier access to essential services. The new platform elevates how members interact with their cooperative by improving navigation, enhancing accessibility features and reflecting the character of the communities WOEC has supported since 1944.
The redesign is the latest milestone in WOEC’s ongoing partnership with Powerful. Together, the teams created a site that strengthens everyday tasks for visitors while honoring the cooperative’s deep community roots. Members now benefit from streamlined access to core services, updated content organization and expanded tools that support transparency and engagement.
One of the most notable updates is the Capital Credits Lookup tool. The feature allows visitors to type in their name, instantly see if they have unclaimed capital credits and complete the verification process through an online form. The tool reinforces WOEC’s cooperative model by making economic participation easier to understand and more convenient to navigate.
The redesign also prioritizes accessibility across essential resources. Several important PDFs—such as the New Residential Service Application and rate information—were transformed into webpages and online forms using Powerful’s STAR Standard, which ensures content is searchable, translatable, accessible and responsive. Visitors can now complete tasks from any device, translate pages into their preferred language and rely on screen readers or assistive technology with ease.
“With this website being their second with Powerful, WOEC’s main priority was to create an experience that was modern and enhanced their members’ experience,” said Stacey Horton, Powerful Project Manager. She noted that a flexible promotional blueprint played a strategic role in presenting key information clearly across the homepage.
“To accomplish that, we felt that a promotional blueprint would work best, highlighting the most important services and information such as SmartHub details and Wildfire Safety information,” Horton said. “These promotional sections, along with the call-to-action buttons, help West Oregon increase transparency with their members in a welcoming environment.”
Local identity also shaped the project. A custom illustrated footer highlights WOEC’s Northwest Oregon forests, logging heritage, gravel country roads, the Nehalem River and a WOEC bucket truck. The artwork aligns with WOEC’s color palette and underscores the cooperative’s deep connection to the communities it serves. “It’s been so exciting to see their website journey,” Horton said.
About Powerful
Powerful is a leader in designing human-centered website designs 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 West Oregon Electric Cooperative
West Oregon Electric Cooperative (WOEC) is a member-owned utility serving rural northwest Oregon since 1944. The cooperative prioritizes reliable service, community connection and responsible stewardship.
