There are 32 statewide magazines, which reach 12 million readers in 42 states served by cooperatives. Combined, statewide magazines are the third largest consumer publication in the United States.
SEA was formed on Aug. 7, 1963, as the National Electric Cooperatives Editorial Association; the current name was adopted on Aug. 20, 1995. Predecessor organizations included the National Rural Electric Cooperative Press Association (April 22, 1947, to July 8, 1958) and the Rural Electric Consumer Publications Cooperative (July 8, 1958, to Aug. 7, 1963).