October is National Cooperative Month

Electric cooperatives power 56% of the nation's landmass, from booming suburbs to remote rural farming communities like Pella's. Unline investor-owned and municipal utilities, the purpose of a cooperative, above all else, is to provide reliable, affordable electric service to its members. In recognition of National Cooperative Month this October, here are the ways the cooperative model differs from other utilities.

You're a member, not a customer.

Cooperatives are unique because they're owned by YOU, the member. This means you have a voice in the way we run the co-op. Members elect the cooperative board of directors and can run for a seat on the board if they wish to do so. To meet your cooperative board members, click here. Your vote and participation help shape the direction of the cooperative.

We focus on service, not profits.

Unlike investor-owned utilities, which are operated to make the most profits for stakeholders, electric cooperatives do not earn profits. Instead, any margins remaining (after all expenses have been paid) are returned to members in the form of capital credits. For questions on PCEA's capital credits, click here.

We're local and community-focused.

Because we are owned by the members we serve, electric cooperatives have a strong commitment to our local communities. PCEA is proud to award scholarships to service territory school districts, partner with organizations to create economic development opportunities, participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour each summer, and much more!

We're committed to innovation.

We answer to local members rather than far away shareholders and can respond quickly to changing member needs. We are committed to experimenting and innovating in ways that benefit the local communities and members we serve.