DEC Embodies the Cooperative Difference

For those unfamiliar with the cooperative business model, you may, at some point, have found yourself asking, “What’s so special about being a Co-op member?” It’s a fair question to ask, but we will let you in on a secret — the answer lies in one word within the question itself: member. At DEC, we don't have customers, we have member-owners. As a not-for-profit, our system is sustained by members' investment in us when they pay their electric bill. Their payment goes towards the cost of power, as well as maintaining electrical equipment and innovation, ensuring members continue to receive the reliable service they have come to depend on. Margins — also known as profits — are given back to members as capital credits, serving as a return on their investment in DEC. For the Co-op's newer members, it's important to note that you may not receive capital credits for 10 to 15 years, as money is returned to those who have been served by DEC the longest. Our members also help guide the direction of the Co-op by participating in our annual board elections, as well as voting on amendments to our bylaws when they are proposed. In short, cooperatives like DEC wouldn't exist without our members. It is because of them that our team works so hard to keep the lights on, and it's with their support that we can continue to do so. This National Co-op Month, DEC celebrates the efforts of our entire cooperative team, and those we are proud to power.