The most important part of an electric cooperative is YOU! And just like upcoming elections across the country, your cooperative holds elections, too.
Electric cooperatives exist to meet the needs of their members. And members are the owners, too! That means electric cooperatives are owned and democratically controlled by their members – the people who use the electricity. So, attending your cooperative’s annual meeting and casting your vote matters!
Cooperatives operate on the principle of “one member, one vote.” So, each member of a cooperative has the same voting power. And as a member, you have a voice in how your co-op operates, by electing directors to represent you and making other important decisions during an annual meeting.
This local, member-driven structure is one reason why cooperatives have the highest consumersatisfaction scores within the electric industry. Electric cooperatives, on average, outscore all other energy providers, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
Electric cooperatives are built by and belong to the communities they serve. They are led by members from the community and are uniquely suited to meet local needs.
Cooperatives have strong ties to North Dakota’s history – and the state’s future. Rural electrification was born in the spirit of cooperation, and electric cooperatives play a vital role in developing the state today.
