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What is a Cooperative?

A cooperative is a member-governed, not-for-profit organization formed to meet a shared need—in our case, affordable and reliable electricity. CGEMC exists not to generate profit, but to serve our members and improve the quality of life in Central Georgia.

Key characteristics of electric cooperatives like CGEMC include:

  • Local ownership and democratic control—each member has one vote in electing our Board of Directors.
  • Operating at cost—any excess revenue is returned to members as capital credits.
  • Focus on community needs—from infrastructure and innovation to education and outreach.
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You are the cooperative! 

What is a Cooperative?

  1. A Cooperative is a voluntary contractual organization of persons having a mutual ownership interest in providing themselves a needed service on a non-profit basis.
  2. A Cooperative is democratic member control which implies the principle of an open, voluntary membership with control exercised on the basis of one vote per customer-owner rather than multiple votes according to capital investment in the organization.
  3. A Cooperative operates on a cost of doing business basis. This is the fundamental reason for co-op existence. We meet the needs of the people at the lowest practicable net cost.

As the explanation of a Cooperative implies, Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation receives purpose and legitimacy from two different directions. First, the State of Georgia passed laws which allow Central Georgia EMC to incorporate as a Cooperative. This state activity provided the charter which enabled the customer-owners to form Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. Second, the Board of Directors exercises democratic control, as authorized by the membership. Every year, customer-owners elect 2-3 directors for three-year terms. Customer-owners participate in major decisions and run the corporation through the Board of Directors. Central Georgia EMC customer-owners elect directors at the Annual Meeting, which is usually held the first Wednesday of each August.

The Seven Cooperative Principles

Like all electric cooperatives, CGEMC is guided by the globally recognized Seven Cooperative Principles:

  1. Open and Voluntary Membership
  2. Democratic Member Control
  3. Members’ Economic Participation
  4. Autonomy and Independence
  5. Education, Training, and Information
  6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
  7. Concern for Community

These principles ensure that CGEMC serves you—not outside investors—and help us remain responsive, responsible, and rooted in our community.