Local Voices Shape Local Solutions
When you hear the word “cooperative,” what comes to mind? As your local electric co-op, we hope you think of Empire Electric Association.
Regardless of the services offered, all cooperatives have one thing in common: they’re led by the people they serve — and that simple idea makes a meaningful difference.
Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes, each created to meet a specific need. Credit unions help members save and borrow money. Producer cooperatives, like Ocean Spray and Land O’Lakes, help farmers bring their products to market. Retail cooperatives, like IFA and ACE Hardware, are owned by their shoppers or a membership of store owners. Housing cooperatives give residents a voice in managing their communities. And utility cooperatives — like EEA — provide reliable electricity to the communities they serve.
Unlike many businesses that answer to outside investors or shareholders, cooperatives are built for their members. Their goal isn’t to earn a profit — it’s to provide value, meet unique local needs, and strengthen the communities they call home.
That’s exactly what makes EEA different.
Our story began in 1939 when neighbors in Dove Creek came together to bring electricity to their community when other utilities wouldn’t. While a lot has changed since then, our purpose has remained steady. We’re still here to provide reliable, affordable power and to make decisions with our community’s best interests in mind.
Being locally owned means we have the flexibility to focus on what matters most to the communities we serve. That’s why no two electric cooperatives are exactly alike. Every community has different needs, and every cooperative reflects those priorities.
This past summer, our service area experienced two large wildland fires, the Babylon and the Ferris fires. Our communities’ responses in supporting one another and working together to keep everyone safe showcased the power we have to positively impact our neighbors. We at EEA understand our responsibility to keep our communities safe. We are continuing to harden our system to prevent igniting wildland fires while adding flexibility that allows us to keep the power on during emergencies.
You’ll also find the co-op difference beyond major emergencies: It’s the smaller things like linemen restoring power after a storm. The employees answering your questions when you call about your bill. The team members volunteering at community events. The board members — your neighbors — who help guide decisions for the future.
We’re your neighbor and local energy partner, and we’re committed to serving you for generations to come.
October is National Co-op Month and we invite you to join us in celebrating the cooperative difference, because this co-op belongs to you. Your membership is what makes our mission possible — and it’s what keeps us focused on serving the people and communities that matter most.
By Josh Dellinger, EEA General Manager
