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EnerStar Power is a not-for-profit cooperative. Electric
cooperatives are unique businesses owned and controlled by
their member-owners. Cooperative members enjoy privileges that
customers of other investor-owned utilities do not receive. Seven
cooperative principles guide the board of directors and employees of
EnerStar to put the best interests of our members first and
foremost.
Cooperative Principle # 1
Voluntary and Open Membership:
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations open to
all persons able to use cooperative services and willing to accept
the responsibilities of membership without gender, social, racial,
political or religious discrimination.
Cooperative Principle # 2
Democratic Member Control:
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by
members who actively participate in setting policies and making
decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives on the
board of directors are accountable to the membership.
Cooperative Principle # 3
Member Economic Participation:
Members contribute equally to, and democratically
control, the capital of their cooperative. Surpluses are allocated
for any and all of the following purposes: developing the
cooperative and possibly setting up reserves; benefiting members in
proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and
supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Cooperative Principle # 4
Autonomy and Independence:
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help 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.
Cooperative Principle # 5
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. They inform the general public about the nature and
benefits of cooperation.
Cooperative Principle # 6
Cooperative Among Cooperatives:
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and
strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through
local, national, regional and international structure.
Cooperative Principle # 7
Concern for Community:
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work
for the sustainable development of their community through policies
accepted by their members.
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