Central is a Columbia-based not-for-profit generation and transmission cooperative that secures reliable, affordable power for South Carolina’s 19 electric distribution cooperatives and the 2 million South Carolinians they serve. Formed in 1948, Central helps its member cooperatives compete in a complex and capital-intensive industry by negotiating and managing long-term power supply contracts, coordinating transmission access, facilitating demand-response programs and managing fuel and market risk. Central and its member cooperatives together serve more than 70% of the state’s land mass, including consumer-members in all 46 counties.