As a member-owned cooperative, we recognize that effective operations require thorough communication. These are the foundational ideals and organizational principles that outline our roles, rights, and responsibilities to our membership and guide our decisions on their behalf.
Cooperative Principles
They’re not just What we do or How we operate. The 7 guiding Principles outline Who We Are as a company.
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, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
Co-Op Bylaws
Unlike investor-owned utilities, Claiborne Electric’s Bylaws are only amended by a vote of the members, who own the company. Our members use these Bylaws to guide Claiborne Electric’s management and Board of Directors. The final decision with the Co-op’s Bylaw amendments always rests solely with the members.
Articles of Incorporation
The official amended version of our Articles of Incorporation includes any updates and amendments adopted from our latest meeting and membership vote and can be found here.
Tariff & Terms of Service Report
Our most recent official tariff and terms of service documentation can be found here.
EPA Consumer Information Sheet
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Consumer Information Sheet can be found here.