Utility co-ops are putting the power in the hands of the community. The cooperative business model is used to manage electricity, water, telecommunications, and other public utilities.
The nature of the cooperative business model offers a unique opportunity for utility customers. Each utility cooperative is a private, nonprofit business owned and governed by the consumers that it serves. A utilities co-op is managed by and for the community it serves, giving each customer the opportunity to participate in the governance of the co-op. Being inherently tied to the local area, co-ops are often involved in community development projects, support of local businesses, and job creation. In electricity alone, co-ops account for 42% of the United States’ electric distribution, covering 75% of the nation’s land mass.
Member-ownership of a utility co-op comes with a voice in the management and delivery of services, a community-focused guarantee, and may even come with a share in the profits based on participation and use of services in the form of a shareholder dividend – because when you are a customer, you are a member-owner, therefore you are a shareholder.
“Utility co-ops build community. Local area co-ops are often involved in community development projects, support of local businesses, and job creation.”
What is INVESTED, BUILT, GROWN, MADE and SPENT with a co-op directly benefits the local community – make a bigger impact when you choose local co-ops.
Combat the widening wealth gap by empowering global communities with ownership and voice in the businesses that shape their lives.
hello@betterworld.coop
PO Box 5236
Manchester, NH 03108
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