Do you know what it means to be a member-owner of your local Touchstone Energy® Cooperative? Read on to learn about the cooperative difference and what that means to member-owners and the rural communities they call home.
What Is An Electric Co-Op?
First, what is an electric co-op? Most rural communities across the country rely on nonprofit cooperatives to ensure they have access to electricity to power their way of life. Because of our not-for-profit model, co-ops serve a different purpose than a private utility company. We don't answer to shareholders or outside investors. We answer to you, and our objective is to secure affordable, reliable electricity for our member-owners.
Local Investment
As a member-owned cooperative, we are committed to the communities we serve. Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative invests in infrastructure upgrades to ensure grid reliability far into the future. We also create economic opportunities, and our boots-on-the-ground employees support local businesses. Furthermore, we provide local grants to benefit community organizations and offer scholarships and internship programs for local youth.
The 7 Cooperative Principles
Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative adheres to a set of core beliefs — the 7 cooperative principles — that focus on improving the well-being of all its members. Here are those 7 cooperative principles:
Open and Voluntary Membership
Your power co-op is inclusive, open to any and all households and businesses that stand to benefit from the services it provides.
Democratic Member Control
Co-op member-owners have a voice in decision-making, electing board members to represent their interests in important matters.
Members’ Economic Participation
Member-owners contribute equitably to the cooperative's capital, which remains the common property of the co-op. Through democratic processes, they collectively determine how that capital is invested and how any surpluses are allocated to support the co-op's primary objectives.
Autonomy and Independence
Your cooperative is autonomous and controlled by its member-owners. When partnering with outside organizations, your co-op does so strictly on terms that preserve democratic control and protect what makes it uniquely yours.
Education, Training, and Information
Your cooperative is committed to education at every level. Members, directors, and employees receive the training and resources they need to contribute meaningfully to the co-op's growth. Beyond that, we actively work to broaden public understanding of the cooperative model and the unique benefits it offers.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Whenever possible, your cooperative collaborates with other co-ops to avoid duplicating efforts, improve services, support local economies and community needs.
Concern for Community
Helping out when there's a need, supporting students and education programs and economic development are tangible ways your co-op demonstrates its commitment to the people we serve and the places we all call home.
