Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit businesses governed by the consumer-members they serve. Every consumer-member can vote to choose local boards that oversee the co-op, and the co-op must, with few exceptions, return to consumer-members revenue above what is needed for operation. Under this structure, electric co-ops provide economic benefits to their local communities rather than distant stockholders. Co-ops are committed to serving their communities.
7 Cooperative Principles
These seven concepts are the foundation for every cooperative (and every cooperative leader).
- Voluntary membership
- Democratic control
- Member economic participation
- Autonomy and independance
- Education, training, and information
- Cooperation among cooperatives
- Concern for community