The Power of Co-Op Membership

Escambia River Electric Cooperative employee Hannah Hammonds speaks with a member at the 2024 annual meeting. Photo courtesy of EREC

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 like social media groups. Regardless of where or how they are formed, communities can bring people together and create a sense of belonging.

Escambia River Electric Cooperative is deeply committed to our consumer members, and we’re glad you are part of the electric cooperative community.

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

Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit utilities built by the communities they serve. For EREC, our mission has always been to provide you with reliable power. We care about your quality of life. 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 invested in the local community 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.

Co-ops are guided by 7 cooperative principles that embody the values and spirit of the cooperative movement. These principles are a framework to help all co-ops navigate challenges and opportunities while remaining true to their purpose.

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