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Cooperative Principles

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Cooperatives around the world operate according to a core set of principles. These principles, along with the cooperative purpose of improving quality of life for their members, make electric cooperatives different from other electric utilities.

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.

©2023 Sumter EMC. All rights reserved. Sumter EMC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Connect with your Co-op

1120 Felder Street

Americus, GA 31709

Phone: (229) 924-8041

800 number: 800-342-6978

©2023 Sumter EMC. Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

  • Home
  • About
    • Sumter EMC
    • Office Locations
    • Leadership
    • Publications
    • Cooperative Principles
    • Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
    • NRECA International
    • Annual Meeting
  • Account Information
    • Starting New Service
    • New Service - Construction
    • New Member Info
    • New Member Survey
    • Privacy Policy
    • Payment Options
    • About My Bill
    • Fees and Rates
    • Prepay
    • Set Alerts for My Account
    • Sales Tax Exemption
  • Member Services
    • Power Line Rights-of-Way
      • Request for Tree Trimming
    • Rebates
    • Cooperative Solar
    • Outdoor Lighting
    • Meter Poles
    • Protection
    • Electric Motor and Equipment Protection
    • Surge Protection
    • Lightning Protection
    • Broadband Info
  • Community
    • Washington Youth Tour
    • Walter Harrison Scholarship
    • Sumter EMC Foundation
    • Youth Outreach
    • Power of Membership
  • Outage & Safety
    • Outage Center
    • Storm Center
    • Energy Tips and Guides
    • Safety Tips
    • Service Specifications
    • Tree & Utility Conflicts