Press Release

Sam Houston Electric Cooperative’s New Website Shines with Powerful Design

LIVINGSTON, TX– The star atop Sam Houston Electric Cooperative’s (SHECO) logo has long symbolized excellence, heritage, and connection. Now, that guiding star shines brighter than ever on their newly redesigned website. Developed in collaboration with Powerful, the site blends innovative design, seamless functionality, and community-focused elements to better serve SHECO’s 70,000+ members across East Texas.

Guided by its mission to “Power Communities, Improve Lives, and Serve with Excellence,” SHECO aimed to create a website that celebrates the unique character of their community. From its local scenery to its strong cooperative heritage, these defining elements inspired the design and functionality of the new platform.

One of the most distinctive features of the redesigned site is its custom illustrated footer, which pays tribute to the East Texas region. The illustration includes elements like pine trees, a lake, and wildlife, reflecting the natural beauty and rural charm of SHECO’s service area. These thoughtful details bring a sense of familiarity and pride to the website, emphasizing SHECO’s deep connection to the community it serves.

“The illustrated footer is such a great representation of East Texas,” said Annie, Project Manager at Powerful. “As a Texan myself, it’s exciting to see how the design captures the spirit of their community so authentically. Although I’m not a member of SHECO, I feel a sense of pride knowing their members will see themselves and their home reflected in this site.”

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the footer serves as a visual reminder of SHECO’s cooperative values. By showcasing the landscapes and wildlife familiar to its members, it reinforces the idea that the cooperative is run by friends, neighbors, and family members who share a commitment to the community. This personal touch sets SHECO’s website apart, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and strengthening their connection to the cooperative.

The new website doesn’t stop at visual appeal—it’s designed with accessibility and usability in mind. Features such as mouse-free navigation, on-page zoom functionality, and clearly labeled form fields ensure that all members, including those with disabilities, can easily engage with SHECO’s services. These enhancements reflect SHECO’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and service excellence.

To support SHECO’s growth and evolving workforce, the website includes a Jobs web app, providing an intuitive platform to share career opportunities and attract new talent. The app aligns with the cooperative principle of “Education, Training, and Information,” emphasizing SHECO’s investment in its community and workforce development.

The redesigned website is a testament to SHECO’s dedication to its members and the East Texas community. By blending thoughtful design, accessibility, and functionality, it serves as both a practical tool and a reflection of the cooperative’s values. With this new platform, SHECO continues to build stronger connections, celebrate its heritage, and support the evolving needs of its members.

About Powerful

Powerful is a leader in creating human-centric websites for utility companies, enhancing digital interactions through innovative design and cutting-edge technology. Focused on long-lasting partnerships, Powerful humanizes digital experiences with a relentless attention to detail, ensuring that each website is both visually appealing and highly functional. Specializing in web design that prioritizes visitor experience and accessibility, Powerful tailors every project to the unique needs of utility organizations. By blending intuitive navigation with innovative technology, Powerful helps utilities engage their communities and deliver a seamless, satisfying online experience.

About Sam Houston Electric Cooperative

Since 1939, Sam Houston Electric Cooperative has been a trusted provider of reliable and affordable electricity to East Texas communities. Guided by cooperative principles, SHECO continues to innovate while honoring its mission to improve lives and serve with excellence.