October is here, and it’s a special time for us — it’s National Co-op Month! This year, we’re celebrating with the theme “Energizing Our Neighbors,” underscoring our commitment to providing reliable power and fostering a strong, community-focused spirit.
Did you know there are more than 30,000 cooperatives across the U.S. celebrating National Co-op Month this October? These co-ops, including Alfalfa Electric Cooperative, operate on principles that emphasize the needs and rights of their members. It’s a time to not only reflect on what sets cooperatives apart but also to celebrate the unique and powerful impact of co-op membership.
This year’s theme, “Energizing Our Neighbors,” is more than just a slogan — it’s a reflection of our mission and values. At Alfalfa Electric Cooperative, our mission is to provide reliable power, but our purpose is people. We care deeply about the quality of life in our community, and because we are locally operated, we’re uniquely suited to meet our members’ evolving energy needs.
Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit utilities that are built by the communities they serve. We care about your quality of life, and our goal is to ensure that you have access to safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Being part of a cooperative means you are not just a customer; you are a member-owner of an organization that prioritizes your needs and invests in the community.
This National Co-op Month, we invite you to appreciate the cooperative business model and all that Alfalfa Electric Cooperative has to offer. Celebrate with us by learning more about how we operate, the benefits of being a member, and the ways we contribute to the community. Thank you for being an essential part of the Alfalfa Electric Cooperative family. Let’s continue to energize our neighbors and make a difference together.
- Open and Voluntary Membership: Membership is open to anyone who can reasonably use the co-op’s services.
- Democratic Member Control: Members make decisions that shape the cooperative. Why? Because co-ops are created by the members, for the members.
- Members’ Economic Participation: Members contribute money to ensure the co-op runs smoothly now and in the future. At AEC, this happens through paying your energy bills.
- Autonomy and Independence: Co-ops are independent and can operate on their own, which ultimately benefits the members.
- Education, Training and Information: Co-ops focus on education to ensure employees, trustees and members have the training and information they need to make the co-op successful.
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Co-ops share with and learn from other cooperatives. We help each other out in times of need because we want other co-ops to thrive.
- 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.