Press Release

Powerful & North East Mississippi Electric Power Association Launch Unified Website to Support Expanding Fiber Services

OXFORD, MS — As demand for high-speed internet continues to surge, North East Mississippi Electric Power Association (NEMEPA) is meeting the moment with a modern digital experience. In partnership with Powerful, NEMEPA has launched a unified site that supports both its long-standing electric services and its rapidly growing fiber subsidiary, NE SPARC.

Founded in 1936, NEMEPA has a legacy of serving north Mississippi communities. In 2019, they expanded their mission by establishing NE SPARC to bridge the digital divide with fast, reliable fiber internet. As NE SPARC grew, it became clear that a more cohesive, intuitive online platform was needed—one that could represent both services without compromise.

“Since growing significantly with their fiber subsidiary, they needed a website that grew with them, providing an updated and professional look for their members,” said Stacey Horton, Project Manager at Powerful.

The new site introduces a department header that lets visitors easily toggle between electric and fiber services, keeping the experience streamlined while offering clear paths to service-specific information. Electric and fiber homepages follow the same layout, with slight variations in color to reinforce brand continuity and help visitors maintain their sense of place.

This structure reflects NEMEPA’s goal of intuitive navigation and gives both services equal visibility—whether someone is looking to report an outage or sign up for fiber internet. Visitors can find what they need quickly without navigating away from the main site.

“By providing a seamless experience with easy access to both electric and fiber, NEMEPA was able to achieve their goals,” Horton continued.

The redesign also replaced numerous PDF documents with responsive web content, aligning with Powerful’s STAR standard—ensuring everything is searchable, translatable, accessible, and responsive. This shift makes it easier for members to find what they need without downloading files or zooming in on static text, especially on mobile devices.

In addition to improving accessibility, the site also introduces visualized pages—designed to present information in clear, bite-sized sections paired with supportive visuals. Pages like Ways to Pay and Understanding Your Bill break down complex topics to help members find answers faster and stay connected longer.

“I’m excited to see how they settle in to their new digital home!” Horton added.

With a fresh design, intuitive navigation, and a platform that adapts to their growing broadband services, NEMEPA is well-positioned to serve members now and into the future. The new website is more than a digital upgrade; it’s a reflection of NEMEPA’s commitment to innovation, access, and the communities they power every day.

About Powerful

Powerful is a leader in creating human-centric websites for utility organizations, enhancing digital interactions through thoughtful design and purposeful technology. Focused on building long-lasting partnerships, Powerful humanizes digital experiences through relentless attention to detail—ensuring each website is both visually engaging and highly functional. For NEMEPA and its fiber subsidiary, NE SPARC, Powerful tailored the redesign to align with their unique goals—supporting both electric and broadband services under one cohesive platform. By blending intuitive navigation with modern tools, Powerful helps utilities like NEMEPA better serve their communities and deliver a seamless, satisfying online experience.

About North East Mississippi Electric Power Association

North East Mississippi Electric Power Association (NEMEPA) has powered north Mississippi communities since 1936 with safe, reliable electric service. In 2019, the cooperative launched NE SPARC, a broadband subsidiary dedicated to bridging the digital divide with high-speed fiber internet. Today, NEMEPA and NE SPARC work together to deliver essential electric and internet services that support connection, economic opportunity, and quality of life across the region.