Electric co-ops are working to bring home innovative electrical solutions to the communities they serve. Adherence to the seven cooperative principles is what makes Touchstone Energy Cooperatives and its more than 700 member-owned electric co-ops different. Together, we’re supplying the electricity that communities depend on, from a power source they can trust.
7 Co-op Principles
1. Voluntary And Open Membership
Anyone can join a cooperative, they don’t discriminate based on gender, social, racial, political religious factors.
2. Democratic Member Control
Members control their business by deciding how it’s run and who leads it.
3. Members’ Economic Participation
All cooperative members invest in their cooperative. This means people, not shareholder, benefit from a cooperative’s profits.
4. Autonomy And Independence
When making business deals or raising money, cooperatives never compromise their autonomy or democratic member control.
5. Education, Training And Information
Cooperatives provide education, training and information so their members can contribute effectively to the success of their cooperative.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives believe working together is the best strategy to empower their members and build a stronger cooperative economy.
7. Concern For Community
Cooperatives are community-minded. They contribute to the sustainable development of their communities by sourcing and investing locally.