October is National Co-op Month!

Celebrate cooperative values with OPALCO

As a member of Orcas Power & Light Cooperative, you’re not only receiving service from the co-op—you’re also an owner. Cooperatives are not-for-profit, member-owned and member-operated businesses that offer key benefits as part of membership. With your ownership comes the right to democratic control of the co-op. Members have the right and responsibility to elect the board of directors, which makes policies and sets rates. Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and the co-op holds elections for board members to represent each district. As a member-owner, you are eligible to receive capital credits, a financial return that is calculated each year as a percentage of the year-end margin and returned to you after 25 years.

The History of Co-ops

In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration after realizing the extent of the country that was underserved by power companies, largely in rural areas. Shortly after, in 1937, the REA drafted the Electric Cooperative Corporation Act, which allowed states to enable the formation of not-for-profit electric cooperatives. The impact of this decision was felt all over the country and still holds true today. In contrast to the 1930s when 90% of rural homes were without electric service, the rapid growth of rural electric co-ops resulted in rural homes being electrified. Today, 99% of rural farms and residences have power. More than 900 electric cooperatives serve members just like you throughout the country.

The Seven Cooperative Principles

Democratically governed not-for-profit cooperatives, such as OPALCO, are organized under the Rochdale Principles, or the Seven Cooperative Principles. The principles are:

1. Voluntary and Open Membership. Co-ops are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2. Democratic Member Control. Co-ops are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Those serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. Members have equal voting rights—one member, one vote.

3. Members’ Economic Participation. Members contribute equitably to—and democratically control—the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-op. Members receive limited compensation through capital credits, on a cycle determined by the board of directors.

4. Autonomy and Independence. Co-ops 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 by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

5. Education, Training and Information. Co-ops provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their organizations. They inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives. Co-ops serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7. Concern for Community. While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.

Celebrating Co-op Members

OPALCO would be nothing without its members. That’s why this month, we want to give back to you—our valued members—with some giveaways throughout October. We are holding a grand-prize giveaway that lets you choose from among the following items:

• Smart thermostat
• UPS battery backup and surge protector (600 volt-amps/ 330 watts)
• Portable power bank with solar and AC charging (80-watt output, 30-watt foldable solar panels)
• American Red Cross emergency prep kit

To enter the grand-prize giveaway, visit opalco.com/coopmonth and fill out the form linked on the page with your member name and phone number. We select winners by a random drawing and contact them during the last week of October. You can also follow @orcaspower on Facebook and Instagram for weekly swag bag giveaways. We can’t wait to celebrate co-op month and all that makes being part of a cooperative great.