Cooperation Among Cooperatives

One of the core principles of your local electric cooperative is cooperation among cooperatives. But what does that mean? Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working  together through local, national, regional and international structures.

Bringing electricity to your home, farm or business not only involves a complex electrical grid, but it also includes supportive associations that champion electric cooperatives, both in North Dakota and across the country.

What is an electric cooperative?

An electric cooperative is a type of electric utility owned by the members it serves. A co-op exists to provide high-quality service at the lowest possible price to its members. Members maintain democratic control of a co-op, which means they elect fellow members to represent them on the board of directors. Electric cooperatives operate on a not-for-profit basis.

What is a generation and transmission cooperative?

A generation and transmission cooperative, or G&T, is owned by several distribution cooperatives to furnish generating plants and transmission lines to supply power to their member co-ops. Five G&Ts operate in North Dakota.

What is a distribution cooperative?

A distribution cooperative is a nonprofit, memberowned electric utility that purchases electric power and distributes it to its customers. Seventeen distribution cooperatives serve 250,000 North Dakotans through 161,000 meters.

What is the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives?

The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) is the trade association for the state’s 17 electric distribution, and five generation and transmission cooperatives. Founded by five cooperatives in 1942, NDAREC supports its members with services designed to ensure a steady and reliable supply of electricity to more than 250,000 residents across North Dakota’s 53 counties. NDAREC focuses on improving the quality of life for our member cooperatives by extending their reach in the areas of economic development, enhancing communication efforts and advocating for member interests. The association also supports the current and future workforce by investing in  comprehensive education and safety training programs that prepare employees and directors with skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s evolving electric industry.

What is the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association?

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the service organization for America’s electric cooperatives. The national association works to promote and support co-ops and to champion their business model.