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The Seven Cooperative Principles

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  1. About Us
  2. The Seven Cooperative Principles

The Seven 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 policies and making decisions. The 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.

Members’ Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least 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, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements 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 cooperatives. 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 structures.

Concern for Community

While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • About Your Cooperative
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors
      • Board of Directors
      • Map Of Districts
    • By-Laws & Articles of Incorporation
    • Our Mission, Vision, and Values
    • The Seven Cooperative Principles
    • BCREA Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Service Area Map
    • Member Handbook
  • Calendar
  • Customer Service
    • Customer Service
    • Billing
      • Billing
      • Bill Stuffers
    • Billing Statement Explained
    • Payment Options
    • Capital Credits
    • Unclaimed Property
    • Online Account Usage Graphs
  • Resources
    • Resources
    • Energy Assistance
    • Newsletters
    • MN Cold Weather Rules
    • Outage Texting Registration
    • Estimating Energy Use & Cost
    • Touchstone Energy Brochures
    • Safety
      • Safety
      • MREA Safety Articles
    • Storm Center/Outage Map
    • Webpage Links
  • Programs & Services
    • Distributed Energy Resources
    • Load Management Programs
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Heartland Security
    • Operation Round Up®
      • Operation Round Up®
      • Operation Round Up® Scholarships
    • Rebates
    • TV Services
      • TV Services
      • FCC Applications
    • LED Yard Lights
    • Youth Tour
  • Forms
    • ACH Authorization Form
    • Agricultural Exemption Form ST3
    • CTV Enrollment Form
    • Cold Weather Form
    • Credit/Debit Card Authorization Form
    • LED Yard Light Rental Program
    • Life Support Program Form
    • Operation Round-Up Form
    • Residential Heat Exemption Form
    • Start Service
    • Stop Service
    • Update My Information
    • Wellspring Sign-Up
    • Donation Form
  • Contact Us
You inspire us to find solutions, so we can provide the energy and savings you need. Visit Touchstoneenergy.com to learn more.
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Brown County Rural Electric
24386 State Hwy 4
PO Box 529
Sleepy Eye, MN 56085
(800) 658-2368
(507) 794-3331

 

 

Mission

To safely provide our members with electric service at the lowest possible cost, consistent with sound business practices.

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Your Cooperative
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors
      • Map Of Districts
    • By-Laws & Articles of Incorporation
    • Our Mission, Vision, and Values
    • The Seven Cooperative Principles
    • BCREA Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Service Area Map
    • Member Handbook
  • Calendar
  • Customer Service
    • Billing
      • Bill Stuffers
    • Billing Statement Explained
    • Payment Options
    • Capital Credits
    • Unclaimed Property
    • Online Account Usage Graphs
  • Resources
    • Energy Assistance
    • Newsletters
    • MN Cold Weather Rules
    • Outage Texting Registration
    • Estimating Energy Use & Cost
    • Touchstone Energy Brochures
    • Safety
      • MREA Safety Articles
    • Storm Center/Outage Map
    • Webpage Links
  • Programs & Services
    • Distributed Energy Resources
    • Load Management Programs
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Heartland Security
    • Operation Round Up®
      • Operation Round Up® Scholarships
    • Rebates
    • TV Services
      • FCC Applications
    • LED Yard Lights
    • Youth Tour
  • Forms
    • ACH Authorization Form
    • Agricultural Exemption Form ST3
    • CTV Enrollment Form
    • Cold Weather Form
    • Credit/Debit Card Authorization Form
    • LED Yard Light Rental Program
    • Life Support Program Form
    • Operation Round-Up Form
    • Residential Heat Exemption Form
    • Start Service
    • Stop Service
    • Update My Information
    • Wellspring Sign-Up
    • Donation Form
  • Contact Us