Manager's Message
POINT OF VIEW: What Makes Co-ops Different?
From the desk of CEO & General Manager, Eddie Oldham
"Thank you for being part of the cooperative family. Here’s to 85 years of progress—and many more to come.”
This month, we continue our new FAQ series: “Your Questions Answered” by exploring some of the most common questions we hear from you, our members, offering insight into what makes your cooperative unique and how we serve you beyond keeping the lights on.
This month’s question: What makes an electric cooperative different from other utilities?
The short answer is ownership. Central Electric isn’t owned by investors—it’s owned by you, our members. That means every decision we make is guided by what’s best for the people we serve, not by profits. This member-focused approach is what sets cooperatives apart from other types of utilities and businesses.
Electric cooperatives were born out of necessity in the 1930s when rural communities were left in the dark because investor-owned utilities didn’t see a profit in serving them. Neighbors came together to form co-ops, pooling resources to bring electricity to areas that had been overlooked. That spirit of cooperation still drives us today.
In 1941, Central Electric Membership Corporation was born, and our business model was built on seven cooperative principles that guide everything we do:
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Members’ Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training, and Information
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community.
This year is especially meaningful because Central Electric is celebrating 85 years of service, and we’re saying thank you with an 85th Anniversary Giveaway! Each month in 2026, 85 members will be randomly selected to receive a $50 bill credit. No entry is required; all active members are automatically included in the drawing.
During our annual meeting month in October, all member names go back in the hat for another chance to win. This time, 85 winners will receive a $100 bill credit!
Winners will be notified by letter and posted monthly on our 85th Anniversary landing page at Celebrating 85 Years | Central Electric Membership Corporation.
It’s our way of celebrating 85 years of power and progress, and showing appreciation for the members who make it all possible.
Thank you for being part of the cooperative family. Here’s to 85 years of progress—and many more to come!
Until next time,
85th Anniversary Giveaway
Each month in 2026, 85 members will be randomly selected to receive a $50 bill credit. No entry is required—all active members are automatically included. Winners will be notified by letter and posted monthly on our 85th Anniversary web page at Celebrating 85 Years | Central Electric Membership Corporation.
