Mission Statement
To provide safe, reliable and affordable electric service.
History
Columbia Power Cooperative (CPC) was established in 1948. Today, CPC maintains over a thousand miles of overhead and underground lines which provide electricity to 1,084 members.
What is Columbia Power Cooperative?
- CPC is a not-for-profit, consumer-owned corporation operated for the benefit of its members,
- CPC is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors elected from the membership. Annual meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of December.
- CPC must reinvest earnings in excess of operating expenses OR return “profits” to its members in the form of “capital credits” or dividends.
7 Cooperative Principles
Voluntary & Open Membership
Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender or economic circumstances.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among members and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); 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 remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in
proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Autonomy & 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 as well as their unique identity.
Education, Training & Information
Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.
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.
Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.