The Negros Oriental I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORECO I) was organized by the Provincial Electric Cooperative Team (PECT) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) during the period from June 5-14, 1972.

NORECO I’s total land area coverage is 2,425.20 square kilometres comprising eleven districts, namely: Bais City, Mabinay, Manjuyod, Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Guihulngan City, Vallehermoso and Canlaon City.

NORECO I was incorporated on June 14, 1972 under Certificate of Registration No. 28 issued by the NEA that expired on June 13, 2022. Such Certification was renewed with Certificate of Registration No. 161

On September 6, 1976, line construction started with the NAPOCOR committing to supply the much-needed power.

On April 8, 1978, the Municipalities of Bindoy, Manjuyod, Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud and the City of Bais were lighted. The Municipality of Mabinay was lighted on Christmas Eve of 1978 as well as the Municipalities of Vallehermoso and Canlaon City were energized.

Geographically speaking, NORECO I’s coverage area has mostly mountain ranges. Its terrains are mostly described as rugged. Consumers are widely spread in some areas and are rarely clustered.

As of 31 December 2006, all barangays in the coverage area were energized.