Co-ops' value to community? Priceless

You know the monetary value of the electricity you use each month. It comes with a price tag in the form of a monthly bill.

But how do you put a price on the benefit of co-op membership? Simply put, you can't.

Your electric power association is a consumer-owned electric cooperative, one of 25 located in Mississippi. Electric power associations serve consumers of all types in all regions of the state. As electric power associations are not-for-profit cooperatives, their mission is to provide reliable electric service at the lowest cost possible. But they do much more.

Results from a recent study conducted in South Dakota, reported in Rural Electric Magazine, underscored the value of electric cooperatives to that state's rural economy. The study examined co-ops' effect on everything from employment to business development to volunteerism in small towns and rural areas. Its findings were not surprising: Electric cooperatives are vitally important employers, community leaders and economic stimulators in the areas they serve.

The same is true in Mississippi. Most of the state's electric power associations are based in small towns. Despite ups and downs in the economic climate, electric power associations have steadfastly remained in local communities. Rather than shut down offices and move line crews to locations far away, electric power associations have remained firmly rooted in the communities they serve. Some have even increased their local investment with expanded branch offices or other facilities.

If this doesn't demonstrate faith and loyalty to the communities they serve, I don't know what does.

Electric power associations are respected locally as stable, important employers whose payroll and expenditures on goods and services help create jobs throughout the community. And the service, expertise and assistance they provide help attract new businesses (and new jobs) to the area.

Electric power associations are staffed by people who know and care about their communities. In many cases, they grew up and are raising their own families in the areas they serve. They are quick to recognize needs and they are quick to respond.

Electric power associations are governed locally too. Your co-op's board of directors is composed of members you elect at the annual meeting. These directors depend on their co-op for reliable, affordable electric service, just as you do.

Now, knowing all you do about your electric power association, wouldn't you agree its benefits to your community far exceed the "price" you pay?