Manager's Message

October is National Co-op Month, a time when electric cooperatives across the country celebrate the cooperative difference and the members who make it all possible. It is also a fitting opportunity to continue our FAQ series: “Your Questions Answered,” and answer this month’s question: What does it mean to be a member of a co-op, and how is that different than being just a customer?

The simple answer is this: as a member of Central Electric, you are more than someone who receives electric service. You are one of the owners of this cooperative.

Unlike investor-owned utilities, which are operated to generate profits for shareholders, electric cooperatives are owned by the people they serve. That means our focus is not on delivering returns to outside investors. Our focus is on providing safe, reliable, affordable electricity while meeting the needs of our members and communities.

As a member, you have a voice in how the cooperative operates. You elect the board of directors who represent the communities we serve and help guide the direction of the co-op. Those directors are your neighbors, and their decisions are made with local priorities in mind.

Being a member also means sharing in the benefits of cooperative ownership. Any margins not needed to operate and maintain the system are allocated back to members as capital credits. It is one more way the cooperative model keeps value close to home.

Of course, the cooperative difference extends beyond providing electricity. Since our founding, Central Electric has supported local schools, youth programs, community organizations, and other initiatives that help strengthen our communities. Improving quality of life is not separate from our mission. It is part of who we are.

One of the most important benefits of membership is the opportunity to participate in the cooperative’s governance. While voting for this year’s board elections has now closed, member participation doesn’t end there. We invite you to tune in to our Annual Meeting on Facebook on Oct. 2 to hear updates on the cooperative, learn about recent accomplishments, and get a look at what’s ahead. Information about the election, voting process and Annual Meeting can be found at CEMCpower.com.

Thank you for the trust you place in us. We are proud to be your local electric cooperative and honored to serve you.

Until next time,