Nobles Cooperative Electric is
committed to improving our members' lives.
Cooperative Principles
Co-op businesses are special because they are owned by the members they serve. All co-op businesses adhere to these seven guiding principles:
Voluntary and open membership
Membership in a co-op is open to all persons who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender or economic circumstances.
Democratic member control
Co-ops are democratic organizations controlled by their members who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the general membership.
Cooperation among co-ops
Co-ops serve their members most effectively and strengthen the coop movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Autonomy and independence
Co-ops are autonomous, selfhelp 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 co-op autonomy.
Concern for community
Co-ops work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.
Education, training and information
Co-ops provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-op. Communications about the nature and benefits of co-ops, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, helps boost co-op understanding.
Members’ economic participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-op. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the co-op. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the co-op, possibly by setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-op and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
America’s Electric Cooperatives
In the United States today, 832 electric distribution and 63 generation and transmission co-ops power 56 percent of the nation’s landmass and:
- nationally, 930 electric co-ops serve nearly 42 million people.
- provide energy for 20 million businesses, homes, schools, churches, farms, irrigation systems and other establishments in 48 states.
- own and maintain 2.7 million miles, or 42 percent, of the nation’s electric distribution lines.
- generate 5 percent of the total electricity produced annually.
- deliver 12 percent of all U.S. electricity.
- in 2019, America’s electric co-ops returned more than $1.3 billion in capital credits to their members.
- co-ops rely on a diverse energy mix to ensure a reliable, affordable and responsible electricity supply.
- co-ops have reduced sulphur dioxide emissions 83.8% from 2005 to 2020.
Have questions?
Your Cooperative team is here to assist with your membership and service questions.