October 15, 2019 – Every October, cooperatives are recognized and celebrated for the qualities that make their business model unique. Electric cooperatives share a common set of principles and values which benefit the cooperative and consumers alike. The Seven Cooperative Principles for electric cooperatives include: Voluntary and Open Membership, Democratic Member Control, Members’ Economic Participation, Autonomy and Independence, Education, Training, and Information, Cooperation among Cooperatives, and Concern for Community.
National Cooperative Month celebrates the fact that electric cooperatives:
• Employ more than 68,200 Americans, support 97,600 contractors, and 170,900 suppliers
• Account for 42 percent of the nation’s distribution lines and cover 56 percent of the nation’s land mass
• Power more than 20 million homes, schools, and businesses in 47 states
• Generate more than $22 billion in taxes
• Invest $12 billion annually in local economies
• Provide electricity generated by renewable energy sources
Electric cooperatives are governed by a Board of Trustees elected from the ranks of the members. The Board has direct oversight of the policies, finances, and employees who operate LCEC on a day-to-day basis. At LCEC, we have 375+ employees working with one common goal in mind…to serve customers. Since 1940, our focus has been on delivering reliable electricity and quality service at a reasonable rate.
Please join us in celebrating October as National Cooperative Month! And to our LCEC customers, we are proud and thankful to be YOUR cooperative!