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Seven Cooperative Principles

Seven Cooperative Principles

Electric cooperatives are private, independent electric utilities, owned by the members they serve. As democratically governed businesses, electric cooperatives are organized under the Seven Cooperative Principles, anchoring them firmly in the communities they serve and ensuring they are closely regulated by their consumers.

From the outside, many cooperatives look like any other business, since a cooperative provides products and services like conventional businesses do. But the following principles are what make cooperatives different.

 

1. Open and Voluntary Membership

Membership in a cooperative is open to all persons who can reasonably 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 their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Elected representatives (directors) are elected from among the membership and are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights; cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

3. Members' Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4. 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 as well as their unique identity.

 

5. Education, Training, and Information

Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, helps boost cooperative understanding.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

By working together through local, national, regional, and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs.

7. Concern for Community

Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.

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Contact Us

People's Energy Cooperative

1775 Lake Shady Avenue South
Oronoco, MN  55960

Phone | (800) 214-2694 or (507) 367-7000
Fax | (507) 367-7001

Office Hours
Monday-Friday | 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

©2022 People's Energy Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • Community
    • Economic Development
    • Education Programs
    • Kids Corner
    • Operation Round Up®
    • Political Action
  • Cooperative Information
    • About People's Energy Cooperative
    • Board of Directors
    • Bylaws & Articles of Incorporation
    • Careers
    • Member Advisory Committee
    • News and Information
    • Our Mission, Vision & Values
    • Privacy Statement / Notice
    • Service Territory and Board Districts
    • Seven Cooperative Principles
    • Statement of Non-Discrimination
  • Electric Service
    • Start, Stop, or Transfer Service
    • Construction/Modification
    • 811 Call Before You Dig
    • Landscape & Tree Planting Guidelines
    • Power Line Safety
    • Power Outage Information
    • Power Outages Map
    • Vegetation Management
  • Member Center
    • Choose Paperless
    • Account
      • Account Management
      • Become a Member
      • Capital Credits
      • Payment Options
      • Rebates
      • Rates
    • Programs & Services
      • Co-op Connections Discounts
      • Energy Audits
      • Energy Management Programs
      • Energy Saving Resources
      • Evergreen Renewable Energy Program
      • Heartland Security
      • HomeServe Service Plan
      • Outdoor LED Lighting
      • People's Community Solar
      • Power Down - Voluntary Load Reduction
      • Standby Generator Program
      • Viasat Internet
      • Water Heating Programs
  • Renewable Energy & Electric Vehicles
    • Clean Energy Initiative Partnership
    • Minnesota Three LLC Solar Array
    • Renewable Energy
    • Electric Vehicles