This entity is a member-owned electricity provider serving a substantial area, typically in rural communities. Operating as a cooperative, its focus centers on delivering reliable and affordable power to its members. These organizations are structured differently from investor-owned utilities, with members having a say in how the company is run.
The significance of such an organization lies in its commitment to serving areas often overlooked by larger, for-profit companies. This guarantees power access in less populated zones. The operational model prioritizes the members’ best interests, reinvesting profits to improve infrastructure, reduce rates, or provide other services. Historically, these cooperatives played a vital role in rural electrification during periods when access to electricity was not widely available in these regions.