This month, I am proud to spotlight a Mountain View Electric Association program that shows how much we can accomplish when we work together to help our co-op communities and members in need. At MVEA, pennies add up to great things through the Operation Round Up program.
What is Operation Round Up? Operation Round Up is a simple, voluntary, and deeply impactful program. MVEA members can choose to round up their electric bill to the next whole dollar each month — adding an average of just 50 cents a month, or $6 a year (never more than $11.88 annually).
This amount may not seem like much, but when multiplied by the nearly 26,500 MVEA accounts that are enrolled in the program, the fund can turn a little bit of spare change into a BIG difference. How big? Over $3.4 million dollars has been distributed through the fund since its inception in 1999!
Through the generosity of members who round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar, MVEA is able to give back over $100,000 each year to the co-op community. Operation Round Up is a community-focused program, unique to electric co-ops, that assists charitable organizations, communities with special needs, and MVEA co-op members who have suffered from loss, personal disaster, or medical emergencies. Funds collected stay right here in MVEA’s service territory and are used for the benefit of our members.
These grants have been vital in helping our friends and neighbors recover from hardship. In addition to helping individual co-op members, the fund plays an important role in assisting charitable organizations. Eastern Plains Community Pantry, Tri-Lakes Cares, the Fresh Start Center, and other local food banks use funds to reduce food insecurity in our communities.
While the amount given back to the co-op community and the number of members who participate is a great point of pride for MVEA, in recent years we have seen participation decline a bit. If you are not currently enrolled in the program and feel compelled to join the cause, opting in to the program is easy. Simply log in to your SmartHub® account and check a box or call MVEA and one of our Member Service Representatives will be happy to help.
I personally thank the MVEA members who round-up their bill through Operation Round Up. I also encourage members to opt-in to help your co-op community or to apply for a grant if you are in need. Together, we can make a big difference! To learn more about Operation Round Up and to join other members in rounding up your bill, please visit us online at
The Power of Change
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
MVEA’s Operation Round Up® program was formed to assist charitable organizations, communities with special needs, and individuals who have suffered from loss, personal disaster, or medical emergencies.
Pennies add up to great things at MVEA. For less than $12 per year, you can round up your monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar, turning your coins into CHANGE to help support your community and your neighbors in need.
Ruth Marks is the General Manager of Mountain View Electric Association. MVEA’s mission is to provide our members safe, reliable, affordable, and responsible electric service and access to broadband services.
