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Seven Cooperative Principles

The Cooperative Advantage

Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values. Cooperatives trace the roots of these principles to the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844. These principles are a key reason that America’s electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their members first.

Electric Cooperative Facts Powering America Advocacy: Lend your voice to cooperative issues
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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©2023 Nobles Cooperative Electric. All Rights Reserved.

  • Transparency
    • 2023 Annual Report
    • 2022 Annual Report
    • Board of Directors
    • Board Meeting Highlights
    • 2023 Work Plan Map
    • Energy Sources
    • Strategic Plan Outline 2022-2023
    • Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
    • Statement of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice to Members
    • Fact Sheet
  • About Us
    • About Your Cooperative
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Our Mission, Vision and Values
    • Contact Us
    • Service Territory
    • Our History
    • Seven Cooperative Principles
    • Touchstone Energy
  • My Account and Services
    • New Memberships
    • Capital Credits
    • Beware of Energy Scams
    • Emergency Response Phone
    • Payment Options
    • Understanding Your Electric Bill
    • Energy Assistance
    • Automatic Residential Generator
    • Heartland Security
    • Member Packet
    • Cooperative Difference
    • Electric grill
    • MyMeter User Guide
  • Save Money and Energy
    • Rebates
    • Electric Vehicle
    • Four Ways to Save Energy Video
    • Storage Water Heating
    • Air Conditioning
    • Electric Heat
    • Interruptible Generator Program
    • 101 Ways to Save Energy and Money
    • Residential Energy Guide
    • Agricultural Energy Guide
    • Kill-A-Watt Meter
    • Together We Save
    • Energy Wise MN
    • Energy Solutions
  • Community
    • Operation Round Up
    • Youth Tour
    • Living Green hydroponic gardening system
    • Scholarships
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Economic Development
    • Safety Matters
    • Educational Opportunities
    • Adopt-A-Highway
  • Renewable Energy
    • Interconnecting with NCE
    • Wellspring - your opportunity to support wind
  • Outages
    • Outage Center
    • Storm Safety Tips
  • News
    • Current Matters