Who We Are

Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance. Cooperatives trace the roots of these principles to the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844. These principles are a key reason that America’s electric co-ops operate differently from other utilities, putting the needs of their members first.

Open & 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 (1 member, 1 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 & 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, & 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. They empower those they serve.

The motto? What’s good for the community is good for the cooperative.

A co-op is founded when people with a similar need form an organization to provide goods or services, like a farmers market food co-op or financial services credit union co-op.

Electric co-ops were formed in much the same way to provide electricity to rural areas abandoned by for-profit electric utilities. There are no Paulding Putnam electric customers. Our Member-Owners have an equal voice in the co-op’s direction and certain rights that are quite different from those who are customers of a for-profit utility, owned by shareholders. Members gain a share of the co-op ownership as they use our services. Our net margin after expenses and reserves does not belong to the utility; it belongs to our Members. The margins must be used either to improve and maintain operations or be distributed back to Members. This is a major, unique and beneficial aspect of a cooperative.

Electric cooperatives are: private, independent electric utility businesses owned by the members they serve incorporated under the laws of the states in which they operate established to provide at-cost electric service governed by a board of trustees, elected from the membership, who set policies and procedures that are implemented by the cooperatives’ professional staff.