Electric Co-ops Are Powered by Purpose
In October, electric cooperatives across the country celebrate National Co-op Month and reflect on the unique advantages of being part of a cooperative. It’s also the perfect time to thank you — the members who make it all possible. For us, it’s not just a celebration. It’s a chance to reaffirm the values that guide everything we do.
As the CEO of Mountain View Electric Association, I see our purpose in action every day. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our co-op doesn’t exist to make profits for distant shareholders. We exist to serve you — our members, neighbors, and communities. That purpose sets us apart. It’s why we were founded, and it’s what continues to drive every decision.
At its core, being a cooperative means we are member-owned and locally controlled. That’s not just a tagline; it’s the heart of our business model. You elect Board members who live here and understand the unique challenges and opportunities our communities face. Decisions aren’t made in corporate boardrooms hundreds of miles away; they’re made at home by people who care about the same things you do.
This local accountability keeps us focused on what matters most: delivering reliable, affordable, and safe electricity and providing real value to the members we serve.
We invest in infrastructure upgrades and technologies that strengthen our grid and improve service. We work hard to manage costs and keep rates as competitive as possible — because we know how much rising prices affect families and small businesses. And when storms hit or outages occur, MVEA crews are here and ready to respond quickly and safely, because we live here too.
But our commitment doesn’t end at the power lines, poles, or the meter at your house. Co-ops were built to meet community needs, and that purpose extends well beyond delivering electricity. Whether we’re supporting schools, sponsoring youth programs, partnering with volunteer organizations, or helping bring high-speed fiber internet access to our membership, we’re always looking for ways to improve quality of life in the places we serve.
We’re also planning for the future. It may come as a surprise, but MVEA is one of the fastest growing electric co-ops in Colorado. With growth, comes demand. As electricity demand grows with our growing co-op membership and new technologies that tap into the grid, we are working to meet those needs with a balanced, reliable energy mix and strategic planning. We know our members care about affordability and reliability, and we’re committed to delivering both.
That’s the power of the cooperative difference. That’s what it means to be powered by purpose.
This National Co-op Month, I encourage you to take pride in your cooperative membership. You’re not just a customer — you’re an owner, a stakeholder, and a vital part of a larger effort to keep our community strong, connected, and energized. Thank you for the trust you place in us. We’re proud to be your local electric cooperative.
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.
