Is First Electric Coop Corp cheaper than Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp?

Yes — in 2024 First Electric Coop Corp customers averaged 12.27 cents/kWh versus 13.33 for Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp (EIA-861). First Electric Coop Corp was cheaper by 1.05 cents, about $114 per year at 10,800 kWh.

Can I switch from Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp to First Electric Coop Corp?

No — distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; you cannot pick between the two wires companies. Arkansas has no residential supplier shopping either; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings.

Why is Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp more expensive than First Electric Coop Corp?

EIA-861 averages reflect everything customers actually paid — supply costs, delivery rates, riders, and surcharges across each territory. Differences in generation mix, grid investment, storm costs, and customer density between Arkansas Valley Elec Coop and First Electric Coop territory all feed the 1.05-cent gap.

First Electric Coop Corp vs Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp: Which Is Cheaper? (Arkansas, 2024)

First Electric Coop Corp customers paid less: an average 12.27¢/kWh in 2024 versus 13.33¢/kWh at Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp (EIA-861) — a gap of 1.05¢/kWh, worth about $114 per year at typical usage (10,800 kWh/yr). Their territories meet in 1 AR county (Yell). You cannot switch wires companies — the territory is set by your address.

Side by side (AR, EIA-861)

First Electric Coop Corp vs Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp — residential averages from federal EIA-861 filings
Metric	First Electric Coop Corp	Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp
2024 average price, ¢/kWh	12.27	13.33
2023 average price, ¢/kWh	11.90	12.73
Annual cost at 10,800 kWh, $/yr	$1,325	$1,439
Residential customers (2024)	95,175	54,372
Ownership	Co-op	Co-op
Counties served in AR	17	11

Average price = residential revenue ÷ sales (bundled service): the all-in price customers actually paid, including supply, delivery and riders. Profiles: First Electric Coop Corp · Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp · Arkansas overview.

Where the territories meet

Both utilities file EIA-861 service territory in: Yell county (AR, 2024).

Adjoining or overlapping territory in a county does not mean households there can pick between the two — service maps are parcel-level and fixed. The county overlap mainly matters when choosing where to live or comparing town-level costs.

Can you actually choose between them?

No — not for delivery. Distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; First Electric Coop Corp and Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp do not compete for the same meters. Arkansas is a regulated retail market — there is no residential supplier shopping; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings (apscservices.info). The price gap above mainly matters when choosing where to live, comparing towns, or benchmarking your bill.

Questions people ask

Is First Electric Coop Corp cheaper than Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp?: Yes — in 2024 First Electric Coop Corp customers averaged 12.27 cents/kWh versus 13.33 for Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp (EIA-861). First Electric Coop Corp was cheaper by 1.05 cents, about $114 per year at 10,800 kWh.
Can I switch from Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp to First Electric Coop Corp?: No — distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; you cannot pick between the two wires companies. Arkansas has no residential supplier shopping either; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings.
Why is Arkansas Valley Elec Coop Corp more expensive than First Electric Coop Corp?: EIA-861 averages reflect everything customers actually paid — supply costs, delivery rates, riders, and surcharges across each territory. Differences in generation mix, grid investment, storm costs, and customer density between Arkansas Valley Elec Coop and First Electric Coop territory all feed the 1.05-cent gap.

About these numbers. Rates shown are averages computed from federal regulatory filings (EIA Form 861) and public tariff databases — confirm with your utility before making decisions; your actual rate depends on your tariff, usage, and riders. Distribution utility is determined by address and generally cannot be chosen; in retail-choice states you may choose your supplier for the supply portion of the bill. Savings figures use 10,800 kWh/yr (US average residential usage) and are estimates, not quotes. EnergySavings is an independent data project by CertiHomes and is not affiliated with any utility, supplier, or government agency.