Cooperative Principles
The Seven Principles of Cooperatives separate your business from other forms of utilities.
1. Voluntary & 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.2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are controlled by their members through a board of directors elected by and from the membership. This tenet ensures accountability to cooperative members and that their best interests will always be at the forefront of our efforts.3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute to the capital of their cooperative. Part of this capital becomes the common property of the cooperative and is used to finance its operation and growth. We operate on a not-for-profit basis, with the annual margins accruing in individual member accounts based on the amount of member patronage with the cooperative. This money is used to support the cooperative operations until it is "retired" (returned) to the individual member in the form of Capital Credits.4. Autonomy and Independence
Our cooperative may enter into various agreements and associations to enhance our ability to serve our members. However, the cooperative remains a separate entity with democratic control by its members. The ability of our directors to set policy is not diminished when cooperating with other organizations in various projects.5. Education, Training, and Information
An informed membership, knowledgeable directors, and professional workforce are vital to our operation. We provide our personnel with educational opportunities and work to build public awareness on a variety of topics including electrical safety.6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
There is strength in unity. By working together, cooperatives have created functional and effective alliances that have expanded and enhanced our operation, created economies of scale, and opened the door to new opportunities.7. Concern for Community
While we focus on meeting our members’ needs, Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative services also work for sustainable development and improvements to our local communities. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life and promote the success of our members and their communities.
Site Developed in part by Basin Electric Power Cooperative
