October is Co-op Month, a time to celebrate serving our communities
Sangre de Cristo Electric Association isn’t owned by distant shareholders. We’re a member-owned cooperative, which means the people we serve also help guide us. Through your elected board of directors, you have a voice in the decisions that shape the future of energy in our mountain communities. As your neighbors and members of the community, we share your care for this beautiful place we call home.
The cooperative model is built on seven principles, including democratic member control, member economic participation, education and information, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for community. These are more than just a list of values; these principles guide every decision as we do everything in our power to provide you with safe, reliable electricity.
We don’t measure a year in revenues, but in reliability, affordability, member satisfaction, and the strength of our community. We’re proud to be a cooperative working towards an energy future alongside our members.
UNDERSTANDING THE SEVEN COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, adopted by the International Cooperative 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 cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their members first.
COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
1. Open and Voluntary Membership
Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among the membership and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives like SDCEA, members have equal voting rights — one member, one vote.
3. 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.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-sustained 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 maintaining their unique identity.
5. 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, help boost cooperative understanding.
6. 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.
7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.
By Jon Beyer, CEO
