Columbia Energy, L.L.C.

Formed in 2000, Columbia Energy, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Rural Electric Association. Columbia Energy was created to offer non-electric value-added services to customers in our service area and our local communities at large.

If rural communities are to compete in a global economy, broadband service is vital. Many rural communities are being negatively impacted by a growing "digital divide" - a technolgy gap between the broadband haves and have-nots. This gap is leaving rural communities behind.

To bridge the gap, Columbia Energy has constructed a high-capacity broadband backbone in Walla Walla and Columbia Counties. This broadband "community communications system" provides broadband internet services in the Walla Walla and Dayton areas. Significantly, service is available to many of the disenfranchised areas of the counties where reasonably priced broadband internet service would likely never be available without Columbia Energy.

Provision of this service is an extension of the original mission of Columbia REA. Columbia REA was formed to provide electrical service to our area when no one else would. Columbia Energy, with several collaborators, has stepped up to deliver this essential service - a service comparable to that enjoyed by most urban dwellers. As a communications asset, the broadband system is an intergal part of Columbia REA electric operations as well.

While Columbia REA provides electrical distribution service to its members, Columbia Energy offers telecommunication services either directly to end users or through third party arrangements to both members and non-members of the cooperative.

For information on Broadband wireless service contact: info@columbiainet.com