The Electric Co-op Difference: Community-Focused & Member-Owned
Electric cooperatives stand apart from other utilities by placing their member-owners and communities at the forefront of their mission. Through their commitment to local investment and service, co-ops play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in the areas they serve.
- Community-Focused Model: Co-ops prioritize member-owners and local needs over profits, reinvesting in the community.
- Economic Development: They support small business development, job creation, and infrastructure improvements.
- Essential Services: Co-ops contribute to improving water, sewer, health care, and education services.
- Local Ownership and Accountability: Member-ownership ensures direct accountability, driving higher service quality.
- Customer Satisfaction: Electric co-ops have the highest average customer satisfaction ratings in the utility industry.
The 7 Cooperative Principles
- Voluntary and Open Membership. Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all the persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
- Democratic Member Control. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (1 member,1 vote). Cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
- Members’ Economic Participation. Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefitting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
- Autonomy and Independence. Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
- Education, Training, and Information. Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives. Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, regional, national, and international structures.
- Concern for Community. While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies acceptable to their members.
Cooperatives in Perspective
Revenue per Mile of Distribution Line:
- Washington electric cooperatives: $10,719
- Investor-owned utilities (IOUs): $54,579
- Public power systems: $72,091
Customers per Mile of Distribution Line:
- Washington electric cooperatives: 7.8 customers
- IOUs: 39.7 customers
- Public power systems: 44.8 customers
Coverage and Service Area:
- Washington electric cooperatives serve less than 6% of the population.
- Co-ops cover about 25% of Washington’s land mass.
Investment in Distribution Infrastructure per Customer:
- Washington electric cooperatives: $3,564
- IOUs: $2,577
- Public power systems: $2,969