Powering More Than Just Your Home: A Conversation with Paulding Putnam Electric Co-op

When I sat down with Samantha Kuhn, Manager of Marketing and Communications at Paulding Putnam Electric Co-op, I quickly realized that one meeting was never going to be enough. There is too much to love about what this organization is doing for our region.

Samantha is exactly the kind of person you hope to meet when learning about a local business — warm, enthusiastic, and genuinely passionate about both her organization and the community it serves. Her energy made it clear that Paulding Putnam is more than just a utility company. It's a neighbor.

A Co-op Built for Its Members

Paulding Putnam Electric Co-op operates differently from your typical energy provider. As a membership-owned cooperative, the people they serve are also the people who own it.

Big News: Fiber Optic Internet is Coming to Rural NW Ohio

One of the most exciting developments Samantha shared was Paulding Putnam's expansion into internet services. They are actively bringing fiber optic internet to rural areas of Northwestern Ohio — communities that have long been underserved when it comes to reliable, high-speed connectivity. For farmers, small business owners, students, and families in these areas, this is a game-changer. Paulding Putnam isn't waiting for someone else to solve the problem — they're solving it themselves.

Save Money with the Co-op Connections Program

Looking for ways to stretch your budget? Paulding Putnam offers the Co-op Connections Program, a savings program available to members that provides discounts and deals to help reduce everyday expenses. The best part? Signing up is simple and can be done right through their website.

Deeply Rooted in the Community

What truly sets Paulding Putnam apart is its commitment to the people it serves. Their community involvement goes far beyond flipping a switch:

• Coat Collection — Each winter, they gather coats to help keep community members warm.
• Hygiene Items for Veterans — They collect and donate personal hygiene products to honor and support those who have served.
• Student Safety Demonstrations — They've reached over 500 students with hands-on safety education.
• Operation Round-Up — Through this program, members can round up their monthly bill to the nearest dollar, and those contributions add up. Paulding Putnam has donated over $50,000 to local organizations through this initiative alone.
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Investing in the Next Generation

Paulding Putnam recently revamped their scholarship program and now awards over $10,000 per year to support students pursuing continued education. In a region where opportunities matter deeply, this kind of investment in young people speaks volumes about the values driving this organization.



There's So Much More

Honestly? One meeting wasn't enough to cover everything Paulding Putnam has to offer. Samantha and her team are doing remarkable work, and if our conversation was any indication, there are plenty more stories worth telling.

We encourage you to take a moment and explore everything they have going on. Whether you're a current member, a potential member, or simply a neighbor who wants to know more — visit them at pppec.coop and see for yourself.