Some Rappahannock Electric Cooperative member-owners in Louisa County are one step closer to having access to broadband internet service.

In June, REC began the make-ready engineering and design process for the fiber build in partnership with Firefly Fiber Broadband, a wholly owned subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative.

Authorized contractors from Pike Engineering are currently working in the Shannon Hill area conducting pole-by-pole surveys to determine what preparations are needed to existing facilities for the fiber installation.

“This is a significant milestone in the process to bring broadband to the REC service territory in Louisa County,” said John Hewa, REC president and CEO. “We look forward to completing work in these initial areas of the county and continuing to expand.”

“The construction of the fiber infrastructure takes some time, but the result is a long-term solution that will provide long-term benefits to the electric system and provide internet access to REC members. We appreciate the patience of the members as we build this new state-of-the-art network,” says Casey Hollins, REC spokesperson and managing director – communications and public relations.

“Firefly is excited that the work has begun to further expand access to gigabit-speed fiber internet service in Louisa County. We recognize the need for reliable, affordable broadband service and we are happy to be working with REC to meet those needs for families and small businesses in Louisa County,” said Dennis Reece, general manager of Firefly.

—Report by Casey Hollins, Managing Director – Communications and Public Relations, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative