Back

July 1, 2026 |

Cooperative Principle 3: The Power of Your Investment

This year, we are devoting time to our monthly Smart Choices newsletters to talk about the Seven Cooperative Principles and why they provide value to you: our member. So far in 2026, we have highlighted the cooperative principles of Voluntary and Open Membership (January) and Democratic Member Control (March). This month, we look at the third cooperative principle: 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 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.

In short: Your energy dollars are at work for YOU.

When you pay your electric bill, your money doesn’t leave the community – it stays right here, working for you. Every dollar we collect from our members has a purpose. It strengthens our electric system through upgrading infrastructure, supports our employees, and helps sustain the communities we serve.

Unlike for-profit utilities, our goal isn’t to generate profits – it’s to generate reliability and local impact. When we have strong years financially, those funds are returned to you: our members.

That’s the power of the cooperative model and the power of the third cooperative principle of Members’ Economic Participation. When we grow stronger financially, our members and communities benefit too!