Co-ops in the Community

What Makes Cooperatives Different?
Cooperatives provide at-cost electric service to their consumer-owners. On the other hand, investor-owned utilities exist to maximize profit for the shareholders. A co-op’s net margin above expenses and reserves does not belong to the utility; it belongs to the individual consumer-owners of the co-op. Margins must be used either to improve or maintain operations or be distributed to the co-op’s consumer-owners.

Electric cooperatives operate under the seven cooperative principles. Co-ops set high customer-focused standards to ensure their customers are getting the reliable, world-class service that only consumer-owned utilities can provide. Electric cooperative employees live in the communities they serve. Many volunteer their time and money in regional programs and civic organizations that work to improve the quality of life for everyone.

As the statewide association for the electric cooperatives of Minnesota, MREA is interested in the growth and development of Minnesota's communities. Our members are involved in many programs that build their communities such as Operation Round Up, National Child ID Program, GreenTouch, Get Charged Learning Program and many others.