The Cooperative Difference

The most important difference between URE and other electric utilities is that we are a cooperative.

You are a member. You belong here and you are an owner of our business.

We are uniquely member-oriented because any net margins from our business operations are returned to you, the member-owners, based on your patronage in the business. This is known as patronage capital credits.

As a member-owner, you share responsibility for our success or failure, along with the benefits you receive. The most important way you can demonstrate your responsibility is by participating in the annual election of trustees.

You are represented by a Board of Trustees who act as the voice of the membership. There are seven positions on the board, defined by the service territory.

Members are also encouraged to speak up on the legislative issues that affect our cooperative. An active membership is the Cooperative's best defense.

The Cooperative Principles

The International Co-operative Alliance adopted this Statement on the Co-operative Identity to help explain the Cooperative business model to others:

The Cooperative Values

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
   Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.


2. Democratic Member Control
   URE is a democratic organization controlled by our members, who actively participate in setting our policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary, cooperative members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.


3. Member Economic Participation
   Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of URE. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, capital credits, subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be invisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.


4. Autonomy and Independence
   URE is an autonomous, self-help organization controlled by its members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.


5. Education, Training and Information
   Cooperatives provide education and training for our members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. We inform the general public -- particularly young people and opinion leaders -- about the nature and benefits of cooperation.


6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
   We serve our members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, regional and international structures.


7. Concern for Community
   While focusing on member needs, we work for the sustainable development of our communities through policies accepted by our members.