Skip to main content
Home
Outages
Member Resources
Pay Your Bill
Contact Us
Menu
  • My Account
    • Ways to Pay
    • Bill Assistance Programs
    • Disconnection Policy
    • Understanding Your Bill
  • Save Money & Energy
    • Rebates and Incentives
    • Energy Efficiency
    • Load Management
  • Electric Service
    • Sign Up or Stop Service
    • New Construction
    • Service Upgrades
    • Outdoor Lighting
    • Trees
  • Member Benefits
    • Capital Credits
    • Youth Programs
  • Outages & Safety
    • Outage Center
    • Electrical Safety Tips
    • Generator Safety
    • Power Surges
    • Call Before You Dig
  • Solar
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Who We Are
    • Cooperative Principles
    • Board of Trustees
    • Ohio Cooperative Living Magazine
    • Annual Report
    • Code of Regulations

Cooperative Principles

Cooperatives around the world operate according to a core set of principles. These principles, along with the cooperative purpose of improving quality of life for their members, make electric cooperatives different from other electric utilities.

The Seven Cooperative Principles

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.

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.

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.

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.

Education, Training, and Information

Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so that 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.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

Concern for Community

While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

Back to Top
Outage? Call 877-544-0279.
Call Now

Quick Links

  • News
  • Statement of Nondiscrimination
  • Privacy Policy

440 Highland Ridge Road

Marietta, OH  45750

 

Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday

 

Phone: 740.373.2141

 

Follow us here:

©2025 Washington Electric Cooperative. Your trusted local energy provider.

  • My Account
    • Ways to Pay
    • Bill Assistance Programs
    • Disconnection Policy
    • Understanding Your Bill
  • Save Money & Energy
    • Rebates and Incentives
    • Energy Efficiency
    • Load Management
  • Electric Service
    • Sign Up or Stop Service
    • New Construction
    • Service Upgrades
    • Outdoor Lighting
    • Trees
  • Member Benefits
    • Capital Credits
    • Youth Programs
  • Outages & Safety
    • Outage Center
    • Electrical Safety Tips
    • Generator Safety
    • Power Surges
    • Call Before You Dig
  • Solar
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Who We Are
    • Cooperative Principles
    • Board of Trustees
    • Ohio Cooperative Living Magazine
    • Annual Report
    • Code of Regulations