The Carroll Rural Electric Association began as a cooperative entity in 1936. It was the 34th project funded by the federal Rural Electrification Administration through a loan of $118,000 from the federal government. Its main goal was to provide electrification to homes in rural areas. The charter of the association was amended the following year, and its name was changed to Carroll Electric Membership Corporation (Carroll EMC).

The Corporation encountered challenges prompted by World War II and disastrous weather conditions in 1960. In spite of this, the demand for electricity was increasing by the mid-1950s. In 1982, Carroll EMC, with over 2,700 miles of line, was serving 21,000 homes, businesses, and other local structures. Among the first lines run were one south to Tyus and Roosterville in Heard County, one to Hickory Level, and one north on Bremen Road to Bowdon Junction. The Roopville area was already being served by the Georgia Power Company.