In the world we live in today, it’s not too uncommon for us to want to compare products and services to see what fits our needs the best. Recently, we had new member-owners ask, “What makes an electric co-op different than other types of utilities?” The question couldn’t have come at a better time in our office, because the members had three eager office staff ready to answer their question. This is what we had to share with the new member-owners about being part of our Cooperative Family.
Because we’re a co-op, we operate a little differently than other utilities. Calhoun County ECA’s decisions are made locally, by directors who also live right here in our community. Everyone who pays to receive electricity from the co-op is a member. When you pay your electric bill each month, your money stays here – to pay for the electricity used, or to make improvements to our local system to strengthen service reliability. The money you pay the co-op doesn’t line the pockets of shareholders five states away. We’re a co-op, and we exist to provide a service to you, our local members.
Our success lies in your satisfaction, which is why we offer opportunities to engage with and listen to what you have to say. Because you are part of an electric cooperative, you can count on our team to provide you safe, reliable, and responsible electric service. Our commitment to the communities we serve can be seen through our fair prices, first-class services, and all other value added resources we have available and are able to offer to each member-owner, business, or town that receives their electric from our cooperative.
If you want to receive important information from Calhoun County ECA such as power restoration updates and tree trimming crew alerts, sign up for cooperative messaging which can be found under the member information tab here on the Calhoun County ECA website. You can also stay in the know with our mobile app and monthly newsletter that is now conveniently located in the Iowa Cooperative Living Magazine.
Please know that as a member-owner with Calhoun County ECA, you are at the heart of everything we do. Co-ops adhere to seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness and service.
We exist to serve you and provide the quality, reliable, friendly service you expect and deserve. While we’ve grown over the years, we’re still driven by the same guiding principles to serve our community. We hope to see or hear from you soon. This co-op was created for you, the members. The power is in your hands.