Who We Are

Fannin Electric Cooperative

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National Electric Cooperative Network

Spans 46 states, offering a wide-reaching presence.
Provides resources and facilitates partnerships to enhance member cooperatives’ engagement and service capabilities.
Serves as a reliable source of power and information to its 32 million member-owners daily.
Fusion of community-friendly values with the cooperative business model.
Non-profit orientation emphasizes safe, reliable, and affordable electricity delivery to member-owners.
Members know they can trust their electric co-op

Evolution of Electric Cooperatives

Electric cooperatives were originally established to provide electricity to rural America.

Growth beyond rural boundaries into suburban and urban regions.
Growth beyond rural boundaries into suburban and urban regions.

Local Ownership & Democratic Engagement

Despite expansive growth, individual Touchstone Energy cooperatives retain member ownership. Communities exercise democratic influence over cooperative governance and direction.

What Makes Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Different

Touchstone Energy cooperatives embody cooperation, nurturing community values while providing nationwide electricity. Through local engagement and partnerships, they bring positivity to communities. Touchstone Energy stands as the brand for an extensive electric cooperative network.

Members uphold core values, ensuring high service standards.
Co-ops prioritize members, holding a local, community-focused vision.

Empowering Communities

Local Touchstone Energy co-ops lead community projects, driving progress.
Partnerships with businesses strengthen community ties.
Co-ops generously give back to local communities.
The Touchstone Energy logo symbolizes human connections. It represents a national network improving neighborhoods.

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives:

Are a part of the

largest electric
utility network

in the nation
Have a total of more than

700 local systems

in

46 states

Serve more than
30.5

million

distribution cooperative member-owners
Serve nearly
40
generation and transmission cooperatives

Cooperative Principles

Voluntary & Open Membership

Cooperatives are organizations that individuals can join voluntarily.
Membership is open to anyone who can utilize the services offered by the cooperative.
Members are expected to accept the responsibilities that come with being part of the cooperative.
Discrimination based on gender, social status, race, political beliefs, or religion is not allowed within cooperatives.

Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives operate democratically, with member control in policy and decision-making.
The elected representatives are accountable to the membership.
Equal voting rights in primary cooperatives (one member, one vote).
Democracy in organizing cooperatives at various levels.

Members’ Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative.
Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership.

Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes:

Developing the cooperative (Possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible)
Benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative
Supporting other activities approved by the membership

Autonomy & Independence

Cooperatives operate autonomously and are self-help organizations under member control.
When collaborating with external entities, including governments, or raising capital, terms are chosen to ensure democratic member control and uphold cooperative autonomy.

Education, Training, & Information

Education and training offered to members, elected representatives, managers, and employees for effective contributions to cooperative development.
Public education, especially targeting youth and opinion leaders, on the nature and benefits of cooperation.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members effectively.
They strengthen the cooperative movement through collaboration across local, national, regional, and international structures.

Concern for Community

Cooperatives prioritize member needs.
They promote sustainable community development via member-accepted policies.