By the Community,
for the Community
IF YOU’RE A frequent reader of these columns, you’ve read a lot over the years about how Hamilton County Electric Cooperative is different—because those differences are at the root of all that we do.
Our business model sets us apart from other utilities because we adhere to guiding co-op principles that reflect core values of integrity, transparency and service to the greater good.
As a co-op, we’re well-suited to meet the needs of the community because we’re locally governed. Our leadership team and employees live right here in the community. Our board of directors, which helps set long-term priorities for the co-op, is made up of members just like you. These directors are elected to represent your voice in the boardroom.
Our members have a valuable perspective. That’s why we seek your input. Whether through community events, our social media channels or the annual meeting, we want to hear from you.
Our connection to the community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on local priorities, enabling us to make more informed decisions on the future of the cooperative and its long-term investments.
Because we’re a co-op, the money you spend on electricity stays in the community. We don’t have shareholders hoping to turn a profit. We’re owned by members, and any money we collect beyond what’s needed to maintain and operate our system is returned to you in the form of capital credits.
Another feature that sets our co-op apart from other utilities is one of our core principles: Concern for community. We give back to the community by collaborating with CoBank and the Lower Colorado River Authority, supplying grants to nonprofit organizations and providing scholarships to students within our service area.
Ultimately, the larger community benefits from these programs because of you and your neighbors. You empower the co-op through your membership and through your participation in and support of these programs.
I hope you’ll think of Hamilton County EC as not just your energy provider but instead as a local business that supports this community and powers economic development and prosperity for the people.
We’ll continue to learn from our members about their priorities so that we can better serve you—because your electric co-op was built by the community, for the community.