Rural electric cooperatives are utilities that led the electrification and modernization of rural America. Today, rural electric cooperatives continue to provide power to one in eight Americans, from the bustling suburbs to rural farming communities. Founded on the cooperative principle of democratic member control, rural electric cooperatives are unique in that their customers are member-owners of the cooperative.

Unfortunately, over the last several decades most of our rural electric cooperatives have become less innovative and less open to member-owner participation. The result is that many member-owners have little say over the energy decisions that directly impact their lives.

If they return to the principles on which they were founded, our rural electric cooperatives can lead the way to a clean energy future that is affordable and accessible to all.

It’s time to put the power back in the hands of those that own our rural electric cooperatives–the member-owners.