TEMA, a material supply organization, began through the foresight of North Carolina's electric cooperatives that combined their efforts to purchase materials, equipment and supplies at competitive prices. Formed in 1975 and opened for business in 1976, today TEMA's modern warehouse contains 112,000 square feet of storage space. TEMA members include twenty-six North Carolina, eight Virginia, and one Maryland Electric Cooperatives. In addition, TEMA provides materials and supplies to municipal electric systems as well as electrical utility contractors.

TEMA is operated as a Non-Profit, Subchapter "T" Corporation. It falls under the umbrella of the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation. Direction is provided by a nine member board of directors made up of General Managers and Directors from member systems.

TEMA, located at 8730 Wadford Drive in Raleigh, NC, stocks many of the items needed to operate and maintain an electric utility system and can ship next day or sooner for stock items during emergency situations. TEMA also works with sales representatives and manufacturers to provide quotes on any size distribution, transmission, substation, and specialty project.