Cooperatives operate differently than most businesses. They are consumer-owned businesses, which means that you and your neighbors actually own your electric utility. In fact, you may have noticed that Pella Cooperative Electric refers to you as a "member" rather than as a "customer." The membership of the cooperative consists of everyone who receives electricity from us.

The cooperative’s Board of Directors is a group of member-consumers just like you, and, in fact, you can run for a seat on the board yourself if you’d like to. When the directors’ terms expire, the cooperative will hold an election—and you will get to vote. So the cooperative is governed by its members who make up the board of directors, which are elected by you.

Cooperatives have their roots in their local communities, so they never sell stock. That way, members retain local control.

Take advantage of the opportunity to participate as a member-owner of Pella Cooperative Electric by attending our Annual Meeting and voting in the board election.

How a cooperative benefits you?

Members share in the ownership of the cooperative when profits are returned through capital credits.  Members share in the governance of the cooperative when they elect other members to serve as representatives on the Board of Directors. 

When you stop to consider this, it's a refreshing concept in today's world of competitive corporations.  Their purpose is to make a profit off of their customers.  Their loyalty remains with the investors.  Pella Cooperative Electric's purpose is different...

Our Values:

As a member of Pella Cooperative Electric, you can expect to be treated as more than just a customer.  We hold to these values:

• Integrity. It's about being honest and following through, living up to the Touchstone Energy promise.
• Accountability.  It's being responsible for delivering superior service.  It's simply doing what you say you will do on a daily basis.
• Innovation.  Finding solutions for problems, maybe by taking on a different perspective.  It may, but does not always, mean employing new technologies.
• Commitment to Community.  Understanding the needs of our community and adding to it's development. It's about doing what is good for our neighbors and cooperative.

The 7 Cooperative Principles

1. 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.
2. Democratic Member Control
   Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
3. Members' Economic Participation
   Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
4. Autonomy and Independence
   Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
5. Education, Training, and Information
   Cooperative provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
   Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together.
7. Concern For Community
   While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.