Co-ops Power Communities With Purpose

Communities come in all shapes and sizes. Some are based on geographical proximity, some are based on shared interests or hobbies, and some communities can even be found in virtual spaces such as social media groups. Regardless
of where or how they are formed, communities can bring people together and create a sense of belonging.

Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC) is committed to our member-owners and the communities we serve. We’re proud to have you as a part of our electric cooperative family.

This October, more than 30,000 cooperatives across the United States are celebrating National Co-op Month. It’s a time to reflect on all the aspects that set cooperatives apart from other types of businesses, but more importantly, it’s a time to celebrate the power of the cooperative membership.

Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit utilities built by the communities they serve. MWEC’s mission has always been to provide you with reliable power with rates that are fair and equitable. We care about your quality of life, and because we are locally operated, we’re uniquely suited to meet our members’ evolving energy needs.

Beyond the business of electricity, our employees and directors are equally invested in our local community. Why? Because we live here, too. That’s why we work hard to support local economic development projects, youth programs and scholarships, charitable giving initiatives and additional programs that make our community a better place to call home.

All co-ops, including MWEC, are guided by seven cooperative principles that embody the values and spirit of the cooperative movement. These seven principles are a framework to help all co-ops navigate challenges and opportunities while remaining true to our purpose:

1. Open and voluntary membership: 
   Cooperative membership is open to anyone who can use the co-op’s services.
2. Democratic member control: 
   Members make decisions that shape the cooperative. Why? Because co-ops are created by the members, for the members.
3. Members’ economic participation: 
   Members contribute money to the co-op to make sure it runs smoothly now and in the future. At MWEC, this happens through payment of your energy bills.
4. Autonomy and independence: 
   Co-ops are independent and can operate on their own, which ultimately benefits the members.
5. Education, training and information: 
   Co-ops continuously focus on education for members and employees. Ongoing education ensures employees have the knowledge and skills they need to drive the success of the co-op.
6. Cooperation among cooperatives: 
   By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs. Co-ops share with and learn from other cooperatives and help each other out in times of need.
7. Concern for community: 
   All cooperatives work for the greater good of the local communities they serve. Co-ops give back to their communities to help them thrive and grow.

This October, as we celebrate National Co-op Month and the power of membership, we hope you will recognize the many aspects that set electric cooperatives apart. Our mission is reliable power. Our purpose is people and the local communities we’re proud to serve.