Outages Contact News My Account Residential Business Customer Service Community About Login | Pay Bill Annual Meeting Fast Facts Board of Directors Service Area Honors and Awards Environmental Stewardship Walton EMC is a Co-op Bylaws (PDF) Service Rules (PDF) Careers Home / About / Walton EMC is a Co-op Walton EMC is a Co-op Walton EMC is a cooperative (also known as co-op). The difference between Walton EMC and other power companies is that we are owned and democratically controlled by those we serve. Each person who receives service from this non-profit, customer-owned electric utility is a member – and an owner. Rural electric cooperatives began back in 1935 when the Rural Electric Administration (REA) was created with the help of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The REA’s goal was to provide electricity to rural areas and jobs during hard times. Walton EMC started in 1936 to supply electricity to rural consumers whom investor-owned utilities refused to serve. The Cooperative Principles All co-ops operate by a few basic principles. Cooperatives trace the roots of these principles to the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England, in 1844. Voluntary and Open Membership Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership. Democratic Member Control Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Members’ Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. Education, Training, and Information Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. Cooperation Among Cooperatives Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together. Concern for Community While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities. A Direct Voice Members have a direct voice in the way Walton EMC operates. Each year on the third Saturday in June, the co-op holds an annual meeting to take care of necessary business. The meeting is held at the Walton County Agricultural Education Center on Criswell Road in Monroe, Georgia. Besides business, the meeting also features entertainment, door prizes and children’s activities. Many years, exhibits such as health screenings are also scheduled. Who Finances Walton EMC? Walton EMC is financed by the Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC). CFC is not affiliated with the government or Rural Utilities Service, thus Walton EMC does not receive government loans. Capital Credits As a cooperative, Walton EMC operates on a not-for-profit basis – we’re not in business to make money, but to provide a service to our customer-owners. A cooperative is a business that is owned by those it serves (members) and operates on their behalf. Capital credits are your share of the earnings of Walton EMC. Capital credits are based solely on how much business you do with the cooperative. Electric rates are set so the co-op charges slightly more than the actual cost of providing electric power. The extra (called margins) are used to pay for capital investments including poles, wire and equipment. By borrowing from its members instead of lending institutions, your cooperative is able to reduce its cost of doing business. Your share of excess revenues is credited back to your capital credits account. Each year, the board of directors, whom you elect, determines when some portion of your capital credits may be refunded. These refunds are returned as a credit on your power bill. Learn More: Walton EMC Directors & Districts Login | Pay Bill Contact Walton EMC Location and Hours Member Services Ways to Pay Storm Center Customer Guidebook Business Resources Economic Development EMC Security About Walton EMC Careers Service Area ©2021 Walton Electric Membership Corporation