If you are new to GCEA’s membership — welcome! And, if you have been part of our family for years, we are grateful to have you with us.
Whether you are a new homeowner, a longtime rancher, or a small business owner, every member is valued equally — and every member makes our cooperative stronger.
When you joined GCEA, you were welcomed into an electric cooperative with voluntary and open membership. This means that GCEA 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.
As the first of the seven cooperative principles, voluntary and open membership protects the fundamental human rights of interested individuals and members. Each member has one vote, no matter how large or small their home, ranch, or business may be. This democratic structure ensures that the cooperative serves the collective interests of all its members rather than the profits of outside shareholders.
When rural electric cooperatives were first formed in the 1930s, millions of families and businesses in rural America lived without reliable electricity because investor-owned utilities could not justify the cost of serving areas with few customers spread over long distances. Neighbors came together to solve this problem themselves by forming electric cooperatives.
Their strength came from the willingness of individuals and families to join voluntarily and work collectively toward a brighter future.
Today, that spirit of openness remains at the heart of cooperative membership. Anyone who lives or operates within the cooperative’s service territory and takes electric service is eligible to become a member-owner. There are no artificial barriers to joining — such as income level, social status, or political affiliation. Membership is a choice, not a requirement, and it comes with both rights and responsibilities.
Members are expected to support the cooperative by paying their bills on time, participating in annual meetings or director elections, and engaging in discussions about the cooperative’s future. These responsibilities are not burdens but opportunities — opportunities to help shape policies, set priorities, and ensure that the cooperative remains strong and sustainable for future generations.
The principle of voluntary and open membership is more than just a line in a mission statement. It is the foundation of the cooperative difference. It means your electric cooperative belongs to you and your neighbors. It means your voice matters. And it means that together, we can continue to provide safe, reliable, and affordable power to our communities — today and for decades to come.
