Go PSREC Electricity PST Internet HOME ABOUT SERVICES ENERGY MY CO-OP COMMUNITY Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative > About > Co-op Values and Principles Co-op Values and Principles Font Size: Share & Bookmark Feedback Print Electric cooperatives are private, independent electric utilities owned by the members they serve. Electric cooperatives are democratically governed businesses organized under the Cooperative or Rochdale Principles, anchoring them firmly in the communities they serve and ensuring that they are closely regulated by their member owners. To give you a better understanding of the important role cooperatives provide to their communities, we have laid out information on the history of cooperatives, their principles, and our efforts in creating new co-ops. Rural cooperatives in America self-govern and operate based on the Rochdale Principles, which are a general statement of how a cooperative operates (as opposed to traditional investor owned utility). The Rochdale Principles were first set out by the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers in Rochdale, England in 1844 and have formed the basis for the principles on which cooperatives around the world operate to this day. Cooperative Principles 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, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination. Democratic member control Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner. Member economic participation Members contribute equally to, and democratically control the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. They usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any and all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, setting up reserves (at least part of which would be indivisible), benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative, and supporting other activities approved by the membership. Autonomy and independence Cooperatives are autonomous organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreement with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy. 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 cooperative. They inform the general public — particularly young people and opinion leaders — about the nature and benefits of cooperation. Cooperation among cooperatives Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structure. Concern for community While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their community through policies accepted by their members. Contact Us Service Area Meet Our Board Manager’s Message Annual Meeting Our History Co-op Values and Principles Bylaws/Estatutos Meters Employment Safety Tips Outage Tips Public Safety Power Shutoffs PSREC Wildfire Mitigation Plan MANAGE ACCOUNT OUTAGE TIPS POWER OUTAGE MAP HIGH-SPEED INTERNET MANAGER’S MESSAGE INSIDE RURALITE CHECK EMAIL OFFICE HOURS & LOCATIONS Open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm except major holidays MAIN OFFICE 73233 State Route 70 Portola, CA 96122-7069 PHONE (530) 832-4261 TOLL-FREE (800) 555-2207 SOCIAL MEDIA LOST SIERRA REC & TECH PSREC puede comunicarse en español y tiene documentos importantes disponibles en español. Llame al (800) 555-2207 o visítenos en 73233 State Route 70, Portola, CA 96122. Accessibility Notice Privacy Policy Terms of Use Contact Us Equal Employment Opportunity Notice Non-Discrimination Statement © 2020 Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative, All Rights Reserved. Chat Chat