Growth
REC is powering value by supporting regional growth that brings greater opportunities to our communities.
Demand for electricity is accelerating across our region, and REC is planning ahead to meet it without compromising reliability or affordability. REC's approach is clear: protect member-owners, maintain reliability and ensure costs remain fair while supporting responsible growth.
Across REC's service territory, new homes are going up, businesses are expanding and large-power users are choosing to build here. That kind of growth brings real benefits, including new jobs, stronger local economies and more investment in the communities our members call home. It also brings responsibility. More demand on the electric system means REC is planning further ahead, investing smarter and staying focused on delivering safe, reliable, and affordable power.
Last year alone, REC added nearly 4,000 new connections across its 22-county service area and reached a new system peak load in January 2025. The Cooperative also supported major economic development projects, including AstraZeneca's $4.5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Albermarle County, along with continued expansion from growing businesses across the region.
REC has an obligation to serve, and that obligation comes with a responsibility to plan for every type of growth, from new neighborhoods and local businesses to very large energy users that require significant infrastructure. REC plans for all types of growth and ensures the system is ready to support it without shifting risk or cost onto members who did not cause that risk or cost.
REC's approach to large-power users is designed to strengthen the system, not strain it. The Cooperative requires data center members to pay for the infrastructure needed to serve them up front. In simple terms, those driving the demand cover the cost of supporting it. This protects residential members from subsidizing large-scale growth, while helping maintain reliability, affordability, and long-term system stability. The approach is straightforward. Plan early, invest wisely and make sure growth strengthens the system rather than strains it.
The electric grid REC relies on is also part of a much larger system across Virginia and the region, which is experiencing similar growth pressures. Without additional power generation, demand is expected to outpace supply in the near future. REC is actively advocating for more generation resources, faster project approvals and policies that support long-term energy reliability and affordability. These are not abstract goals. They are essential to keeping power dependable and affordable for members as the region continues to grow.
REC has a long history of successfully supporting growth. We plan ahead, invest early, lead with action and make all decisions with one priority in mind, protecting members. That is how REC ensures reliability holds steady, costs stay fair and the system remains strong no matter how fast our region grows.
Growth by the Numbers
- Nearly 4,000 new connections across REC’s 22-county service area.
- 1,204 MW peak system load.
- 20,000 MW load ramp connection requests by 2040, driven by large-power users.
- $345 million paid by large-power users to protect all members from infrastructure costs.
Digging deeper: Additional Resources
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REC Economic Development
Learn how REC works with localities and businesses to support responsible economic development. - Hyperscale Energy Services
REC’s approach helps ensure large-load members fund the infrastructure needed to serve them.
