Small Change That Changes Lives

This community support program enables members to raise money for local charities and service organizations by allowing the Cooperative to simply "round up" electric bills to the next highest dollar.  The monthly contribution could be as little as a penny, but never more than 99 cents.  The average donation per member is $6.00 per year.


The People's Energy Cooperative Trust - Operation Round Up started in 2002 and raises approximately $100,000 a year in support of a variety of charitable, educational, community and youth-related programs and events.  The concept behind the program is to extend the principle on which electric cooperatives were built over 80 years ago - neighbor-helping-neighbor - and as a Touchstone Energy Cooperative to follow one of the core principles which is Concern for Community.  "Small change that changes lives," is the foundation upon which Operation Round Up is built.

Operation Round Up Trust Board

The Cooperative's Board of Directors selects the People's Energy Cooperative Trust Board to administer the Operation Round Up program.  The following cooperative members have been appointed by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors to serve as the Trust Board. They meet quarterly to evaluate applications and approve grant funds.

District 1: Judy Plank
District 2: Beverly Johnson
District 3: Mark Williamson
District 4: Roger Rettmann
District 5: James Hobbs
District 6: Darlene Schmidt
District 7: Ann Lutteke

Operation Round Up Opt-Out

Members who wish not to participate in Operation Round Up must notify the office at (800) 214-2694, email memberservices@peoplesrec.com or complete the opt-out form by clicking below.

Operation Round Up Opt-Out Form

Grant Application Process

Deadlines for submitting applications for funds are: March 20, June 20, September 20, and December 20.  Decisions regarding application grants are made within approximately one month after the respective deadline.

Operation Round Up Guidelines

Due to the large numbers of requests each quarter, guidelines assist the board in determining grant recipients and the award amount.  To read the People's Energy Cooperative Trust Policy and Guidelines, click below.

Learn More

Operation Round Up Application Form

Complete this application form and submit with the required additional information.  If you have questions during the application process, please contact us by calling (800) 214-2694 or emailing oru@peoplesrec.com.

ORU - Application for Donation - updated fillable PDF.pdf