COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE

By Heather Juzenas, Vice President of Marketing & Member Services

Over 30,000 cooperatives across the United States celebrate National Cooperative Month every October. It is a time to reflect on all the aspects that set cooperatives apart from other types of businesses. Cooperatives are not-for-profit organizations built by the communities they serve.

We do not have shareholders—we are accountable to our members. The Energy Cooperative’s mission is to provide safe and reliable energy to our members while providing highly responsive service consistent with the Cooperative Principles.

There are many kinds of cooperatives, but they are all guided by the same cooperative principles. These seven principles provide a framework for all cooperatives to remain true to their purpose.

#1: OPEN AND VOLUNTARY MEMBERSHIP

Cooperative membership is open to all people who can use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.

#2: DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by members for members. Every member has equal voting rights (one member, one vote). Our cooperative encourages members to participate in director elections annually to determine who represents them on our board. Each director is elected to serve a three-year term.

#3: MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION

Members contribute money to the cooperative to ensure its operation now and in the future. This happens when you pay your energy bill. Cooperatives operate “at cost,” and excess margins are reinvested into the cooperative to maintain the level of service members expect. We allocate (payout) any remaining margins to members as capital credits annually. The Energy Cooperative pays capital credits on a 20 and 40-year cycle. This year, we will return money to electric members from 1983 and 2003.

#4: AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE

Every cooperative is unique and operates in a way that best serves its membership. Cooperatives are independent from one another. Our Board of Directors helps ensure the cooperative’s work is aligned with its mission and values. They also speak to our members’ evolving needs and expectations.

#5: EDUCATION, TRAINING & INFORMATION

Cooperatives ensure employees have the training and information they need to make the organization successful. Education and training for members, elected representatives (board of directors), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperative.

#6: COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES

Cooperatives share with and learn from other cooperatives. We work with cooperatives across Ohio and nationwide to improve our service to members. At The Energy Cooperative, we are proud to partner with cooperatives to supply our electric generation, provide after-hours support to members, and even maintain the SmartHub app.

#7: CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY

Cooperatives give back to their communities to help them thrive and grow. We proudly support member communities through local sponsorships, community events, and special programs. We encourage members to round up their monthly energy bills to support The Energy Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation. Our members’ average donation is $6.00 per year. Collectively, this spare change has a substantial impact on our member communities! Operation Round Up awards the funds to first responders, schools, community organizations, and non-profits that positively impact our members.

As we celebrate National Cooperative Month and the power of membership, we hope you will recognize what sets cooperatives apart. Our mission is to provide safe and reliable energy. Our purpose is to support people and the local communities we are proud to serve.