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On September 14, 2016, the Defense Logistics Agency awarded a utilities privatization contract to Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative (CHELCO) to own, operate, and maintain the electrical system infrastructure at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB), Florida, for 50 years.

One of the most important benefits we’ve delivered to Eglin has been considerable outage reductions and faster restoration times. Since the contract started CHELCO has:

  • Reduced number of outages by 34%
  • Reduced length of outages (SAIDI) by 40%
  • Improved restoration times (CAIDI) by 38%

The benefits of the UP contract aren’t limited to the on-base support. Serving Eglin AFB through the UP contract enables your cooperative to offset some operational costs. This helps the cooperative to maintain affordable rates for its residential and commercial members. This partnership ultimately benefits the entire co-op community by strengthening financial sustainability while supporting a key regional military installation.

At CHELCO, our commitment goes beyond providing reliable electrical service—we’re proud to support the military community living and working on base. We actively engage with service members through a variety of programs and events, including Honorary Commander inductions, military appreciation events, changes of command ceremonies, and key immersion briefings.

CHELCO teammembers were honored to attend the Change of Command Ceremony for the Army 6th Ranger Training Battalion Lt. Col. Bradley Goodyear (second from left)
CHELCO teammembers were honored to attend the Change of Command Ceremony for the Army 6th Ranger Training Battalion Lt. Col. Bradley Goodyear (second from left)