In today’s world, access to fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. Yet many rural communities still struggle with limited or no broadband. Recognizing this gap, your co-op saw an opportunity to invest in the future of these communities, as well as strengthen its electric grid by installing a fiber ring.

Four years ago, Kankakee Valley REMC began building a fiber-optic ring to provide a reliable communication pathway between its headquarters and 14 electrical distribution substations. This initiative achieved two goals: improving operational efficiencies to allow the company to invest in smart grid technologies to improve reliability and resiliency and laying the foundation for offering broadband to rural areas.

As of last month, the project was complete, totaling 230.7 miles of fiber. This project shows our commitment to improving the quality of life for our rural communities. But the work doesn’t stop here.

With the fiber infrastructure now in place, the next phase begins. While there’s still work ahead for co-op personnel as we work to implement the smart grid technology, the focus shifts to collaborating with internet providers, who can use the co-op’s fiber to expand networks and deliver high-speed internet directly to rural areas. Thanks to the co-op’s investment, providers can complete the build-out, ensuring broadband reaches the homes and towns that need it most.

This project not only strengthened the co-op’s operations but also opened doors for rural residents to access the internet they need for work, education, healthcare, and more.