cooperative principles

High Plains Power is not just another electric utility. It's an electric cooperative, owned and operated by the consumers it serves. Electric cooperatives, like High Plains, have been providing affordable, reliable electric service to their member-customers for over 60 years. In most cases, electric cooperatives were formed to provide electric service in areas where other utilities wouldn't. Cooperatives are special because they are guided by a set of seven principles that reflect the best interests of their consumers.

1. Voluntary and Open Membership - Becoming a member of High Plains is voluntary and is open to all persons who are able to use our cooperative's electric service. Cooperative membership has benefits.
2. Member Control - Members of High Plains Power have a voice in setting policies and making decisions affecting their cooperative. They elect directors who are accountable to the membership. Every member has one vote regardless of how much electricity they use or how many metered services they have.
3. Members Own the Cooperative - When members of High Plains Power pay their electric bills they contribute equitably to the capital of their cooperative. The amount of revenue earned each year in excess of expenses is called a margin. These margins are used by the cooperative to provide the working capital necessary to provide electric service. These margins are allocated to our members each year based on the amount of electricity they have purchased. These margins are returned, as financial conditions permit, to our members as capital credits.
4. Autonomy and Independence - Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If High Plains Power enters into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or borrows funds, we do so on terms that ensure that the members continue to democratically control their cooperative.
5. Education, Training, and Information - Cooperatives like High Plains provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can understand the advantages and benefits offered through the cooperative business model.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives - Cooperatives serve their members most effectively when they work together through local, regional, and national structures.
7. Concern for Community - While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.