Click on the link below to access the Cooperative's bylaws.
The purpose of cooperative bylaws
1. Define member ownership
The bylaws establish that the people receiving electric service are members and owners of the cooperative. They outline member rights and responsibilities, including voting rights.
2. Establish democratic governance
Electric cooperatives generally follow the principle of “one member, one vote,” rather than giving more voting power to members who use more electricity. Bylaws explain how members elect directors and participate in important cooperative decisions.
3. Define the role of the board of directors
The bylaws establish the authority and responsibilities of the board, including how directors are elected, terms of office, meetings, vacancies, and the board's role in overseeing the cooperative.
4. Provide rules for member meetings and elections
They establish procedures for annual meetings, special meetings, nominations, elections, voting, and other actions requiring member participation.
5. Establish how the cooperative operates as a business
Bylaws can address important matters such as membership requirements, capital credits, patronage, distribution of cooperative funds, and other aspects of the cooperative's financial structure.
6. Protect the cooperative and its members
Clear bylaws provide a consistent framework for making decisions and resolving questions about governance. They help prevent decisions from being made arbitrarily and provide members with a clear understanding of how their cooperative is supposed to function.
7. Preserve the cooperative model
Perhaps most importantly, bylaws help ensure that the cooperative continues to operate according to cooperative principles—member ownership, democratic control, and service to the community and members rather than outside shareholders.