Co-op Spotlight: The Frontier Power Company

Located in Coshocton, in the Appalachian foothills, The Frontier Power Company employs 39 people and has a service territory reaching into seven counties. Most of their 9,045 members are in Coshocton and Tuscarawas counties, with more in Guernsey, Holmes, Knox, Licking, and Wayne counties.

In addition to the electric cooperative, Frontier Power has a management agreement with several other businesses located on its property: Frontier Propane, a locally owned and operated propane cooperative; Frontier Supply, which incorporates an electrical and plumbing supply store; Whit’s Frozen Custard; Progressive Water; and Coshocton Coffee Connection.

Whit's Frozen Custard

Whit's Frozen Custard is one of several businesses located on Frontier Power's property.

Amore's Koi Farm

Businesses and attractions

The small businesses in Frontier Power’s service territory are as diverse and varied as the people themselves: Tool fabricating shops, glassmakers, teardrop camper manufacturers, hickory rocker makers, a coyote trap manufacturer, a reclaimed wood sign maker, a quilt finisher, a wildlife management business, and a fish hatchery all call Frontier Power’s territory their home. Local residents and travelers alike can learn all they need to know about raising koi at veteran-owned Amore’s Koi Farm or about how Twig Archery makes custom bows and arrows for customers around the world. Cooperative-served businesses offer tasty and unique food items and meals, award-winning wines, and even specialty cheeses. Sportsmen can find plenty to keep them busy while in Frontier Power’s service territory: Gamekeepers Retrievers is well known for training retrievers, River Greens and Hickory Flats are both challenging golf courses, and there are many bodies of water where you can spend a leisurely afternoon fishing. The Coshocton County Heritage Quilt Barn Trail is an excellent way to see the beautiful scenery throughout the hills of the county — Frontier Power employees hung the quilt squares as a service to the community. Don’t forget a visit to the Old Stone Fort, reportedly Ohio’s oldest building, when you’re in the area. There are also a number of bed-and-breakfasts and other cozy locations for overnight lodging.

Events

Frontier Power is a proud sponsor of the annual Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival — a free event that features hot air balloons floating through the hills of Coshocton County, fireworks, and food vendors. Wings Over Coshocton is also a flying event held every few years at the Richard Downing Airport, another member of Frontier Power.
Giving to the community

Since 2012, Frontier Power’s members have been giving back to the community through the Frontier Community Connection Fund. To date, members have donated over $310,000 to community organizations. The Frontier Power Company also hosts an annual customer appreciation day for the entire community. Approximately 1,000 people, members and nonmembers alike, are welcomed at the co-op for lunch and appreciation gifts.