There is an option to escape the grasp of the massive energy monopolies, there are ways to take the power into your own hands: Electric Co-ops. In fact these co-ops own and maintain 42% (2.7 million miles) of U.S. electric distribution lines that serve 42 million people across the United States.1 The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the largest of these cooperative organizations, which upholds a set of principles and values that define the cooperative energy sector:
Cooperative Principles
1. Open and Voluntary Membership
Membership in a cooperative 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.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among the membership and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
3. Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their 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 as well as their unique identity.
5. Education, Training, and Information
Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs.
7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.
Electric co-ops rely on a diverse portfolio of fuels, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydropower, solar, wind, biomass and other renewables. Co-ops are also increasingly integrating member-owned resources, including demand response, energy efficiency and distributed generation into their resource portfolios. Co-ops are actively embracing the fight for more renewable and cleaner energy to highlight the massive difference between them and the massive monopolies.
1https://www.electric.coop/electric-cooperative-fact-sheet
2Author NRECA, N. R. E. C. A. (2020, August 19). Understanding the Seven cooperative principles​. America’s Electric Cooperatives. Retrieved November 29, 2021, from https://www.electric.coop/seven-cooperative-principles%e2%80%8b.
