What is a Cooperative?

What Makes Electric Cooperatives Different?

Electric cooperatives are uniquely set apart from other electric utilities because they are Member owned. Operating according to seven core principles and values upon which they were founded. These principles are a key reason that electric cooperatives, like Rayburn, operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their Members first.

7 Cooperative Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership

Democratic Member Control

Members’ Economic Participation

Autonomy and Independence

Education, Training and Information

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Concern for
Community

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.

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.

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 possible by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefitting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

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.

Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so that 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.

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

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

What is a Cooperative?

What Makes Electric Cooperatives Different?

7 Cooperative Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership

Democratic Member Control

Members’ Economic Participation

Autonomy and Independence

Education, Training and Information

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Concern for
Community

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What is a Cooperative?

What Makes Electric Cooperatives Different?

7 Cooperative Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership

Democratic Member Control

Members’ Economic Participation

Autonomy and Independence

Education, Training and Information

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Concern for Community

Concern for
Community