Each October, electric cooperatives across the country take time to celebrate National Co-op Month and reflect on the unique advantages of being part of a cooperative. It’s also the perfect time to thank you—the members who make it all possible. For us, it’s not just a celebration. It’s a chance to reaffirm the values that guide everything we do.

As EnerStar’s CEO, I see purpose in action every single day. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our co-op doesn’t exist to make profits for distant shareholders. We exist to serve our member-owners, who are our neighbors, and the communities we share. That purpose is what sets us apart. It’s why we were founded, and it’s what continues to drive every decision we make.

At its core, being a cooperative means we are member-owned and locally controlled. That’s not just a tagline; it’s the very heart of our business model. Members have a voice in how our co-op operates. You elect board members who live right here in our service area and understand the unique challenges and opportunities our communities face. Decisions aren’t made in corporate boardrooms hundreds of miles away; they’re made here at home, by people who care about the same things you do.

This local accountability enables us to stay focused on what matters most: delivering reliable, affordable electricity and providing genuine value to the people we serve.

We achieve this by investing in essential infrastructure upgrades and technologies that strengthen our local grid and enhance electric service. We work hard to manage costs and keep rates as low as possible—because we know how much rising prices affect families and small businesses in our area. And when storms hit or outages occur, EnerStar’s crews, along with all the employees who support them, are here and ready to respond quickly, because we live here too.

But our commitment doesn’t end at the power lines.

Co-ops were built to meet community needs, and that purpose extends well beyond delivering electricity. Whether we’re supporting local schools, sponsoring youth programs, or partnering with volunteer organizations, we continually seek ways to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve. Community support isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of our mission.

We’re also planning for the future. As electricity demand grows due to new technologies and economic development, electric co-ops are working to ensure that we continue to meet those needs with a balanced and reliable energy mix. We understand that our members value affordability and dependability, and we’re committed to delivering both.

That’s the power of the cooperative difference. That’s what it means to be powered by purpose.

This National Co-op Month, I encourage you to take pride in your cooperative membership. You’re not just a customer—you’re an owner, a stakeholder, and a vital part of a larger effort to keep our community strong, connected, and energized.

Thank you for the trust you place in us. We’re proud to be your local electric cooperative!