A PLACE FOR ALL

The Fall is when cooperatives celebrate National Co-op Month. When I say Missoula Electric Cooperative celebrates Co-op Month, it really means we are celebrating YOU! After all, we wouldn't exist without you, our members.

Some of the most recognizable brands are cooperatives, like ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI and Land O'Lakes. Although we span different industries, we all have a passion for serving our members and helping our communities thrive. In fact, all cooperatives adhere to the same set of seven principles that reflect our core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness and service.

Voluntary and Open Membership

Just like all co-ops, MEC was created out of necessity – to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. In early 1936, a group of local farmers and ranchers united to serve power to their homes and farms. After countless meetings, applications and approvals, the first Missoula Electric Cooperative lines were energized in 1938 and served electricity to the homes of 125 members within a 75-mile service area. This was the humble beginning of what has flourished over the past eight decades and now provides energy to over 13,000 member-owners across 2,000 miles of overhead and underground power line, seven counties and two states.

While the history may be forgotten, key parts of that heritage remain - we are neighbors helping neighbors and together, we provide safe, affordable and reliable energy to our member-owners. Everyone is eligible for membership, which helps to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for the entire community. Membership is open to all those in our service territory, regardless of race, religion, age, disability, gender identity, language, political perspective or socioeconomic status.

Democratic Control

Our Co-op is well suited to meet the needs of our members because we are locally governed. Each member has a voice and vote in how the Co-op is run and each voice and vote are equal. Our Board of Trustees, who help to set long-term priorities for the Co-op, live locally within MEC's service territory and were elected - our members. We know our members have a valuable perspective, and that is why we are continually seeking your input and encourage you to weigh in on important Co-op issues and to participate in annual elections. That's the essence of the cooperative spirit.

Because we all live, work and operate locally, the team at MEC understands the unique needs of our community. This enables us to make more informed decisions and plan for the future.

Members' Economic Participation

As a utility, our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to our members. But as a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, MEC's capital. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the Cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for Co-op programs, initiatives, capital investments and support other activities approved by the Board or our members. Because we are guided by seven cooperative principles, it's not about profit – it's about opportunity for all and fairly engaging with our membership.

Autonomy and Independence

Most cooperatives 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 as well as their unique identity.

Education, Training, Info

MEC provides ongoing education and training opportunities to our employees, Board of Trustees and members. Our primary goal is to positively impact the develo p.m.ent of our cooperative and equip all parties with the resources to work, operate and live safely. Whether we are teaching electrical safety at the schools or hosting an energy efficiency class for members, our goal is to share our knowledge for the betterment of all.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperatives are more effective for their members, and strengthen the cooperative voice, by working with affiliated organizations and fellow cooperatives. MEC partners with the Montana Electric Cooperatives' Association (MECA) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), among others. We also support, and are supported by, fellow cooperatives in times of need, such as after major power outages. This allows us to respond as efficiently, effectively and safely as possible when there are significant outages that require a larger response team.

Concern For Community

Our operational purpose is to serve as your electric provider, but the mission of the Co-op is to help make our corner of the world a better place. Similar to how our wires run through our service territory, our concern for community flows through all of our decisions––because being a co-op means being a responsible partner and good neighbor.

So, when you see our team cleaning a section of the highway, or loading turkeys for the annual turkey drive, you're seeing this cooperative principle is in action!

We view our role as a catalyst for good and are always exploring ways to operate more efficiently while providing the highest level of friendly, reliable service you've come to expect.