The Seven Cooperative Principles
1. Open and Voluntary Membership.
Because cooperatives are voluntary organizations, membership is 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.
Members have equal voting rights. It doesn't matter how much electricity
a member consumes. When it comes to electing directors, each member has one vote.
3. Member Economic Participation.
Members contribute equitably to the capital of their cooperative.
At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative.
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.
New challenges and new technologies affect your cooperative and the entire utility industry.
Insuring our continuing effectiveness can only be accomplished by providing information
and training to the members and public, our employees, staff and directors.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives.
We are "working together, working for you," on many levels. Cooperatives serve their members
most effectively and strengthen the co-op movement by participating in local, state, regional,
national and international cooperative organizations.
7. Concern for Community.
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities
through policies accepted and supported by their members.
