Historical Significance

Johnson's Hill Country electrification bridged multiple frontiers:

Taming those frontiers was historically significant for many reasons:

Within six months, the PEC became the largest U.S. electrical cooperative and remained so until 1980. Its success was a model for other rural communities advocating for resident-controlled electrification. The PEC was an important voice in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's (NRECA) formation.

By providing an expanded customer base, Hill Country electrification stabilized the LCRA and facilitated additional hydroelectric dam construction. Today, the LCRA provides electricity to 30+ utility companies. Hill Country electrification also weakened TPLC’s monopoly.  According to Johnson, some electric companies “called me a communist," but residents welcomed the lower electric rates. [1]

Hill Country electrification greatly enhanced Johnson’s political power.  Roosevelt even offered Johnson the REA Administrator post, which Johnson declined. 

Johnson newspaper article - ​​​​​​​1939, Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library

Johnson lost a 1941 U.S. Senate special election, but won a seat in 1948, partially campaigning on his electrification successes.

In 1964, Johnson became one of only a few people to win every federally-elected position—a distinguished political career that began with a campaign to get power for the people.

Today, the PEC provides electricity to 1,000,000 Americans—a lasting impact that began with Johnson’s frontier vision decades ago. While Texas Hill Country electrification is often overshadowed by Johnson’s later Great Society achievements, the historical significance it held for Johnson and his fellow Hill Country residents is summarized by Johnson himself:

"Of all the things I have ever done, nothing has given me as much satisfaction as bringing power to the Hill Country of Texas.” - Lyndon Johnson