The Corporation was formed without any purpose of direct gain or profit to itself. The original members were the rural farmers and ranchers and rural businesses in Montezuma and Dolores Counties in Colorado, and in parts of San Juan County in Utah. It took a little time to form the management team, borrow money through the REA Program, hire employees, obtain rights of way and new sign-ups, secure material, secure an adequate generating source and construct the line. Empire is a non-profit, member owned rural electric Cooperative . These allocations are then paid back to Empire's customers as the Cooperative's financial position allows.
Members have a voice in the Cooperative through a locally elected board representative.
Directors are elected each year on a rotating basis. To Provide Efficient and Reliable Utility Service at Cost-Based Rates. Empire Electric owns no generation facilities. Empire purchases power from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. The Board hires a General Manager to carry out daily business affairs of the Cooperative.