Co-ops Power Communities with Purpose

Communities come in all shapes and sizes. Some are based on geographical proximity, some are based on shared interests or hobbies, and some communities can even be found in virtual spaces like social media groups. Regardless of where or how they are formed, communities can bring people together and create a sense of belonging.

Steuben Rural Electric Cooperative is deeply committed to our consumer-members, and we're glad you are part of the electric cooperative community.

This month, more than 30,000 cooperatives across the U.S. are celebrating National Co-op Month. It's time to reflect on all the aspects that set cooperatives apart from other types of businesses, but more importantly, it's a time to celebrate the power of co-op membership.

Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit utilities that are built by the communities they serve. For Steuben Rural Electric, our mission has always been to provide you with reliable power. We care about your quality of life, and because we are locally operated, we're uniquely suited to meet our members' evolving energy needs.

All co-ops, including Steuben Rural Electric, are guided by seven cooperative principles that embody the values and spirit of the cooperative movement. These seven principles are a framework to help all co-ops navigate challenges and opportunities while remaining true to our purpose:

1. Open and Voluntary Membership:  Co-op membership is open to anyone who can use the co-op's services.
2. Democratic Member Control:  Members make decisions that shape the cooperative. Why? Because co-ops are created by the members, for the members.
3. Members' Economic Participation:  Members contribute money to the co-op to make sure it runs smoothly now and in the future. At Steuben Rural Electric, this happens through paying your energy bills.
4. Autonomy and Independence:  Co-ops are independent and can operate on their own, which ultimately benefits the members.
5. Education, Training and Information:  Co-ops continuously focus on education to ensure employees have the training and information they need to make the co-op successful.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives:  Co-ops share with and learn from other cooperatives. We help each other out in times of need because we want other co-ops to thrive.
7. Concern for Community:  All cooperatives work for the greater good of the local communities they serve. Co-ops give back to their communities to help them thrive and grow.

This October, as we celebrate National Co-op Month and the power of membership, we hope you will recognize the many aspects that set electric cooperatives apart. Our missions is reliable power. Our purpose is people - the local communities we're proud to serve.