During your time as a GCEA member, you may have wondered what role you play in a member-owned electric cooperative. Beyond paying your monthly electric bill, what more can you contribute, and how is your participation valuable?
As a GCEA member, you are more than just a customer. You are a part-owner of your electric cooperative. You have an equal opportunity with other members to voice what matters to you and shape GCEA’s future.
At the heart of our mission is a fundamental principle: Democratic member control. The second of the seven cooperative principles, democratic member control ensures that our cooperative remains responsive, accountable, and driven by our members’ needs.
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, democratic member control remains vital for guiding GCEA toward a future of providing reliable and affordable electricity. Keeping the lights on has become the backbone of the thriving communities we serve, and you have a part in that effort.
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association President Jim Matheson notes, “The local ownership and local control of electric cooperatives leads to empowered local communities.” As you engage with GCEA, you are strengthening your community through this form of civic involvement.
Below are three ways your participation strengthens GCEA and the communities we serve.
LOCAL DECISION-MAKING
GCEA board directors live and work in the communities we serve. You are eligible to vote for directors who truly understand local needs and concerns; this ensures the cooperative is aligned with your values and priorities.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
You are always welcome to voice your concerns, ask questions, and help influence the direction of the cooperative. Open board meetings and transparency in financial reports, rates, and policies foster trust and ensure that decisions are made with your best interests in mind.
LONG-TERM STABILITY
GCEA is a not-for-profit cooperative guided by member input. Unlike investor-owned utilities that are seeking to make a profit, GCEA focuses on sustainability, reliability, and community investment.
Electric cooperatives — including GCEA — have provided essential services for decades. This model of governance has stood the test of time, but success depends on your participation.
I encourage you to engage with and stay informed about GCEA. Your voice matters, your vote matters, and together we can continue to power our communities with integrity and shared responsibility.
If we have a contested election this year for directors representing Districts 2 and 3, you are eligible to vote for both districts regardless of which district your home or business is in or whether or not your primary residence is in the area. Your participation in board elections is vital to GCEA’s future.
Next month, GCEA will hold its 86th annual meeting and you will not want to miss it. This meeting is your chance to learn important information about upcoming changes to our rate design and planned system improvements that will help us continue providing reliable and affordable power.
You’ll also enjoy free food, high-voltage safety demonstrations, door prizes and giveaways, and a fun way to connect with your friends and neighbors. Students will also have an opportunity to win a “Last Chance Scholarship.” See page 10 or visit gcea.coop for more information. We look forward to seeing you there.
Author: Mike McBride, Chief Executive Officer
