It’s National Cooperative Month – an annual recognition of what makes co-ops different, and the difference co-ops make in the communities they serve.

Electric cooperatives are well-suited to meet the needs of the community because we are local, independent, and member-owned. Cooperatives like Union Power exist to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to you, the members of the co-op. But our mission goes far beyond that – to helping our members and communities grow and thrive. Like all cooperative businesses, we are guided by seven principles:

1. Voluntary and open membership
2. Democratic member control
3. Members’ economic participation
4. Education, training, and information
5. Autonomy and independence
6. Cooperation among cooperatives
7. Concern for community

Our close connection to the community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on local priorities and issues that matter to our members, thereby enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments, such as community projects, equipment and technology upgrades, and educational programs.

Union Power Cooperative invests in teachers, students, families, and their futures through various partnerships and programs that support our mission to enrich the lives of our members. This principle is woven deeply into programs like the Kenan Fellow Program for Teacher Leadership, Bright Ideas Education Grants, Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships, our rural economic development work, and more.

As your local, non-profit, member-owned power provider, we are working to strengthen the areas we serve while also building a brighter energy future for our members.