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Cooperative Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

Members’ Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

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 by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

Education, Training, and Information

Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

Concern for Community

While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

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  • My Account
    • Access My Account
    • Payment Options
    • Start Service
    • Stop Service
    • About My Bill
    • Capital Credits: Questions & Answers
    • Residential Outdoor Lighting
    • Tree Trimming
    • Member Bill Of Rights
    • Member Privacy Policy
    • Rates
    • New Member Info
    • New Construction Specifications
    • Electric Inspector Contact Information
    • My Business Account
      • Start Service - Business
      • Stop Service - Business
      • Builders & Developers
      • Economic Development
      • Commercial Outdoor Lighting
      • Load Data Form
  • Programs
    • SimpleSaver
    • Envirowatts
    • Home Energy Analysis
    • Air Sealing Rebate
    • Duct Sealing Rebate
    • Net Metering
    • Replacing Resistance Heat
    • New Manufactured Homes
    • Touchstone Energy Home - New Construction
    • Commercial & Industrial Services
    • 811 - Free Utility Locating
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Solar Information
      • Solar 101 Booklet
      • Cooperative Solar
      • Solar Education Project
    • Energy Saving Tools & Resources
      • Simple Energy Tips
      • Energy Library
      • Together We Save
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Trees can make your home more energy efficient
      • Videos On Energy Efficiency
      • Television Calculator
      • Appliance & Home Electronics Calculator
  • Our Community
    • Annual Meeting
    • Co-op Connections
    • Power of Membership
    • Pennies For Purpose
    • Blue Grass Living
    • Scholarships
    • Washington Youth Tour
    • Educational Programs
    • Contribution Application
    • Economic Development
    • Kids' Activities
    • Kid's Korner
  • Safety & Education
    • Surviving The Winter Season
    • Safety
      • Safety Quiz
    • Outage Central
    • How Power Is Restored
    • Downed Power Lines
    • Food Safety
    • Safe Electricity
    • Generator Safety
  • About Us
    • Careers
    • Blue Grass Energy Territory
    • Cooperative Profile
    • Purpose & Values
    • Hours of Operation
    • Office Locations
    • Co-op History
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Cooperative Principles
    • Media Information
    • News/Events
    • Contact Us
    • Your Co-op Directors
    • Your Co-op Staff
    • Non-Discrimination Statement
    • Affiliates