The Certificate of incorporation was issued in the name of Kiamichi Electric Cooperative, Inc., by Secretary of State, I.C. Carter, on September 24, 1945. The stated purpose was to organize a non-profit membership corporation to provide central station electric service to the residents of Southeastern Oklahoma .
The first official meeting of the KEC Board of Trustees was held on October 5, 1945 in the Agicultural Building at Poteau, Oklahoma. One of the resolutions adopted at this board meeting reads as follows:
" It shall be the aim of the Kiamichi Electric Cooperative, Inc. to make electric energy available to it's members at the lowest cost consistent with sound economy and good management."
The original Board of Trustees were
President: Chas. W. Knebel
Vice President: Ralph Kelly
Secretary/Treasurer: J.E. Rogers
Member: Ralph Kelly
Member: George Jeyes
Member: C.B. Sherrill
Member: W.E. Rogers
Member : N.H. Hooser
On April 29, 1948, Manning Substation was officially energized as the first substation on the Cooperative's system. This station provided electric service for aproximately 500 families in Latimer, Leflore and Pittsburg Counties.
