About Electric Cooperatives

Electric power cooperatives are independent businesses incorporated under state laws to provide electric service to specific areas. Owned by the customers they serve, all operations are overseen by a board of directors elected from member-owners, and managed by professionals hired by the board.

Unlike investor-owned utilities that exist to maximize shareholder profits, electric co-ops provide electricity to members at cost. Any margin above the cost of power and any expenses involved in delivery of power must either be used to improve operations or distributed among members.

Most local distribution cooperatives served by Wabash Valley Power do not generate electricity locally. Instead, they rely upon WVPA to purchase or generate electricity, and transport it over the region's power grid.

Like all cooperative businesses, electric co-ops adhere to seven basic principles:

• Voluntary and open membership
• Democratic member control
• Members' economic participation
• Autonomy and independence
• Education, training and information
• Cooperation among cooperatives, and
• Concern for community.

To learn more about Wabash Valley Power electric cooperatives, click on the map.