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4/1/23 @ 5:48 am | Your cooperative is currently experiencing normal energy demand. No special energy saving measures are necessary.
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The 7 Cooperative Principles

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  1. About Us
  2. The 7 Cooperative Principles

All cooperative businesses around the world operate in accordance with the following 7 cooperative principles: 

 

7 Cooperative Principles

 

The 7 cooperative principles, explained: 

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 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.

 

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Prairie Energy Cooperative 
2099 Hwy 3
P.O. Box 353
Clarion, IA 50525

Outages: 800-728-0013
Office: 515-532-2805

Headquarters Location

About Us

Prairie Energy is an electric distribution cooperative spanning over 11 counties in north central Iowa. We are owned and controlled by the rural members we serve. 

 

©2023 Prairie Energy Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Prairie Energy Cooperative
    • Board of Directors
    • Employees
    • Our Energy Sources
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • The 7 Cooperative Principles
    • Careers
    • Articles of Incorporation
    • Bylaws
  • My Account
    • General Billing Information
    • Patronage & Allocation
    • Understanding Your Electric Bill
    • SmartHub FAQs
    • Pay my Bill
      • Pay Online with SmartHub
      • Payment Options
    • Payment Assistance
      • LIHEAP
      • RECare
  • Energy Solutions
    • 101 Ways to Save
    • Rebates
    • Electric Water Heaters
    • Private Outdoor Lights
    • Energy Assessment
  • Community & News
    • News
      • Prairie Energy Newsletter
      • Iowa Electric Cooperative Living Magazine
      • 2022 Annual Meeting
    • Community
      • Economic Development
      • Youth Tour
      • Scholarships
      • Homeward, Inc.
  • Outages & Safety
    • Outage Tools
      • Report an Outage
      • Iowa Outage Map
      • Prairie Energy Outage Map
      • Storm Safety
    • Electrical Safety
      • Iowa One Call
      • Power Line Safety
      • Grain Bin Clearances
      • Stray Voltage Guide
      • Safety Checklist
      • Safety Quiz
  • Solar
    • Community Solar
    • Solar Array Output
  • Contact Us