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Cooperative Principles

1. Voluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2. 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 (one member, one vote) and 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 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; 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 by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

5. 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.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7. Concern for Community

While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

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©2022 Northern Electric Cooperative, Inc. All Rights Reserved

  • Home
  • Manage Account
    • Apply For Service
      • Request Electric Service
      • New Member Information
      • Forms
    • Billing
      • Pay Your Way
      • How To Read Your Bill
      • Automatic Bill Pay
      • Set Up A SmartHub Account
      • Prepaid Billing
      • Understanding Demand & the Monthly Coincident Billing Peak
      • Billing Peak Times
      • Capital Credits
      • Energy Assistance
  • Rebates & Technology
    • Rebates & Load Management
      • Rebates
      • Buy An Electric Water Heater
      • Electric Heat Rate
      • Load Management
      • Load Management Notifications
    • Technology & Renewables
      • Residential Solar
      • REC Program
      • Electric Vehicles
  • Safety
    • Electrical Safety
      • Call Before You Dig
      • Power Line Safety
      • Farm Safety
      • Winter Safety
    • Emergency Preparedness
      • Storm Center
      • Generator Safety
      • Power Lines and Cars
  • Community
    • Co-op News & Programs
      • 'Cooperative Connections' Magazine
      • News
      • Annual Meeting
      • VIP Tour
      • Co-op Connections Card
      • REED Fund
    • Youth Programs
      • Youth Excursion
      • Youth Tour
      • Scholarships
      • Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
  • About Us
    • Directors & Staff
      • About Us
      • Board of Directors
      • Administrative Staff
      • Cooperative Bylaws
      • Employment
    • Cooperative
      • History
      • Where Your Electricity Comes From
      • Cooperative Principles
      • Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
      • Nondiscrimination Statement
      • Accessibility Statement
  • Contact Us