Skip to main content
Home

REPORT AN OUTAGE: 800.762.0997
PAY BY PHONE: 888.836.1422

 
Menu
  • In times of extreme heat, load management is possible.

  • My Account
    • SmartHub
    • Pay Now
    • Understanding Your Bill
    • Payment Options + Assistance
    • Right to Disconnect
    • Residential Rates
  • Membership
    • Capital Credits
    • Estate Retirements of Capital Credits
    • Joint Membership with Right of Survivorship
    • New Member Packet + Survey
    • Membership Application
    • New Service/Upgrades
    • Ohio Cooperative Living Magazine
    • Security/Watch Lights
    • Political Action
    • Code of Regulations
  • Outages & Safety
    • Outage Center
    • Electrical Safety Tips
    • GenerLink
  • Energy Solutions
    • Energy Calculators
    • 101 Ways To Save
    • Rebates + Incentives
      • Geothermal
      • Heat Pump Incentive
    • Peak/Load Management
    • Renewable Energy
    • Efficiency Tips From Ted
    • Energy Audits
    • HVAC Dealers
    • Insulation Contractors
    • Landscape to Save Energy
    • Energy Sources
  • Co-op Benefits
    • Community Room
    • Scholarships
    • Safety Demonstrations
    • Donation Request
  • About Us
    • Who we are
    • Our History
    • Board of Trustees
    • What is a Co-op?
    • Careers
    • Contact Us

What is a Co-op?

Cooperative Icon

WHAT IS A CO-OP?

A cooperative is a group of people acting together to meet the common needs and aspirations of its members, sharing ownership and making decisions democratically.

Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance. These principles are a key reason that America’s electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their members first. Cooperatives are not concerned with making profits for shareholders, but creating value for consumers.

 

 
 


SEVEN COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
 

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.

Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Elected representatives (directors/trustees) are elected from among the membership and are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

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.

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.

Education, Training, and Information
Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), 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.

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.

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

 

 

Tags
  • what is a co-op
  • seven cooperative principles
  • electric cooperative story
  • History
  • Back to Top

    Quick Links

    • Contact
    • News
    • Privacy Policy

    Follow us!

    ©2022 Pioneer Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved

    • My Account
      • SmartHub
      • Pay Now
      • Understanding Your Bill
      • Payment Options + Assistance
      • Right to Disconnect
      • Residential Rates
    • Membership
      • Capital Credits
      • Estate Retirements of Capital Credits
      • Joint Membership with Right of Survivorship
      • New Member Packet + Survey
      • Membership Application
      • New Service/Upgrades
      • Ohio Cooperative Living Magazine
      • Security/Watch Lights
      • Political Action
      • Code of Regulations
    • Outages & Safety
      • Outage Center
      • Electrical Safety Tips
      • GenerLink
    • Energy Solutions
      • Energy Calculators
      • 101 Ways To Save
      • Rebates + Incentives
        • Geothermal
        • Heat Pump Incentive
      • Peak/Load Management
      • Renewable Energy
      • Efficiency Tips From Ted
      • Energy Audits
      • HVAC Dealers
      • Insulation Contractors
      • Landscape to Save Energy
      • Energy Sources
    • Co-op Benefits
      • Community Room
      • Scholarships
      • Safety Demonstrations
      • Donation Request
    • About Us
      • Who we are
      • Our History
      • Board of Trustees
      • What is a Co-op?
      • Careers
      • Contact Us