OCTOBER 2026
A NORTHWESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE PUBLICATION
What’s inside this issue:
7 Cooperative Principles The Different kinds of Cooperatives A NWEC Recipe to Fall into Autumn! Local Voices Shape Local Solutions By Abby Berry, NRECA 2027 Energy Camp Application Information
October Harvest: 7 Principles, One Community. Every fall, our fields fill up with the results of months of hard work. This October also marks National Cooperative Month — a chance to reflect on what we've grown together as a member-owned cooperative. From new members joining our co-op family to dollars returned through capital credits, this year's harvest reflects something bigger than kilowatts: a commitment to the community we serve. Turn to page 2 to see how each of our 7 Cooperative Principles took root this year.
DID YOU KNOW? As not-for-profit organizations, America's electric co-ops return more than $1 billion to their consumermembers every year which is money that stays right here in local communities instead of going to outside shareholders.
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A Harvest of Cooperative Values Celebrating National Cooperative Month by Looking at What We've Grown Together
As the leaves turn and harvest season settles over Northwest Oklahoma, it's fitting that October is also National Cooperative Month. Just like a good crop, the benefits our members enjoy today didn't happen overnight — they were planted years ago in seven simple principles, tended carefully, and are now ready to be gathered in.
Here's a look at how each of the 7 Cooperative Principles has taken root and grown here at Northwestern Electric Cooperative this year: 1. Voluntary and Open Membership
The Seed: Anyone in our service territory can become a member-owner. The Harvest: NWEC now serves over 12,000 meters and more than 5,000 miles of line across Woodward, Ellis, Harper, Beaver, Major, Woods and Dewey Counties.
2. Democratic Member Control
The Seed: Every member gets a voice and a vote — one member, one vote. The Harvest: Nine directors elected from the membership determine major policies of the Cooperative, with members organized into nine districts that each host a meeting — including a board election, when applicable — every three years, alongside the co-op's open annual meeting where any bylaw changes go to a membership vote.
3. Members' Economic Participation
The Seed: Members contribute capital and share in the co-op's financial success. The Harvest: Capital Credits, Local Employment, Community Solar Program, Energy Efficiency Loans, and Rebates.
4. Autonomy and Independence
The Seed: We're locally controlled and answer to our members — not distant shareholders. The Harvest: This year, Districts Seven, Eight and Nine elected their Trustee to represent their district.
5. Education, Training, and Information
The Seed: We're committed to keeping members, employees, and the public informed. The Harvest: Annual Youth Tour, Energy Camp, Scholarships, and community involvement.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
The Seed: Co-ops work together and support one another, especially in times of need. The Harvest: NWEC and OAEC partner to provide programs for youth to grow their knowledge and provide them with life skills.
7. Concern for Community
The Seed: We work for the sustainable development of the communities we serve. The Harvest: Fanning Fussell Scholarship, Annual Energy Camp, Economic Development Loans, and more!
Northwestern Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender
TYSON LITTAU, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Board of Trustees:
Kenny Knowles, President | Arnett Gilbert Perkins, Vice President | Gate John Bruce Jr., Secretary/Treasurer | Sharon Brycen Shoaf | Taloga
Lindsey Craighead | Woodward Cale Steadman | Woodward Jeff McIntosh | Quinlan Darla Young | Buffalo Marvin Wilkinson | Buffalo
NW Network Editor: Manda Wheeler | Contact comms@nwecok.org
NWEC Attorney: John Meinders
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Local Voices Shape Local Solutions Celebrating National CO-OP Month
When you hear the word cooperative, what comes to mind? As your local electric co-op, we hope you think of Northwestern Electric Cooperative. Regardless of the services offered, all cooperatives have one thing in common: they’re led by the people they serve––and that simple idea makes a meaningful difference. Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes, each created to meet a specific need. Credit unions help members save and borrow money. Producer cooperatives, like Ocean Spray and Land O'Lakes, help farmers bring their products to market. Retail cooperatives, like REI and ACE Hardware, are owned by their shoppers or a membership of store owners, while housing cooperatives give residents a voice in managing their communities. And utility cooperatives—like Northwestern Electric Cooperative—provide reliable electricity to the communities they serve.
**April 1996 Annual Report** Unlike many businesses that answer to outside investors or shareholders, cooperatives are built for their members. Their goal isn’t simply to earn a profit—it’s to provide value, meet unique local needs and strengthen the communities they call home. That’s exactly what makes Northwestern Electric Cooperative different.
Being locally owned means we have the flexibility to focus on what matters most to the communities we serve. That’s why no two electric cooperatives are exactly alike. Every community has different needs, and every cooperative reflects those priorities.
For some co-ops, that means expanding programs that help members save energy and money. Others may focus on supporting Our story began in 1940 when neighbors came economic development, investing in new together to bring electricity to an area when technology or creating new opportunities for other utilities wouldn’t. While a lot has changed local students. In 2026, NWEC has been able to since then, our purpose has remained steady. provide scholarships to local students, continue We’re still here to provide power and make our support with the Woodward Elks Rodeo by decisions with our community’s best interests feeding the community on opening night, and in mind. more, all thanks to our members who continue to trust in us.
We’re your neighbor and local energy partner, and we’re committed to serving this community for generations to come. You’ll also find the co-op difference in the little things. It’s the lineworkers restoring power after a storm. The employees answering your questions when you call. The team members volunteering at community events. The board members—your neighbors—who help guide decisions for the future. We’re your neighbor and local energy partner, and we’re committed to serving this community for generations to come. This National Co-op Month, we invite you to join us in celebrating the cooperative difference, because this co-op belongs to you. Whether it’s Northwestern Electric Cooperative, your local credit union or ACE Hardware, cooperatives prove that when people work together, everyone benefits. Your membership is what makes our mission possible —and it’s what keeps us focused on serving the people and communities that matter most.
**Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape**
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2027 Energy Camp June 1st- 4th 2027 | Anadarko, OK
Northwestern Electric Cooperative is now accepting applications for Energy Camp 2027, a free summer camp for 8th grade students in our service territory. Camp will be held June 1-4, 2027, at Oakridge Christian Camp & Retreat Center in Anadarko, OK. Campers will spend the week building leadership skills, trying their hand at a day in the life of a lineworker, and connecting with peers from across northwest Oklahoma through swimming, hiking, volleyball, and other summer activities. Along the way, students gain confidence, teamwork experience, and public speaking skills that carry well beyond camp. Applications are due Thursday, April 1, 2027. Scan the QR code on the flyer to learn more and apply, or reach out to Manda Wheeler at manda.wheeler@nwecok.org with any questions.
The Perfect Fall Taco Soup By Cyndi Giacamo
Ingredients:
2 lbs. ground beef 1 onion, chopped ½ tsp. black pepper ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. chili powder
1 pkg. taco seasoning 1 pkg. ranch dressing 1 can undrained diced tomatoes 1 can diced Rotel with chilies 1 can Ranch Style Beans 1½ cups water
Directions:
Brown beef and onions. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve hot over a layer of tortilla chips and top with cheese.
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