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  • In compliance with Gov. Polis' Safer at Home Order

    our lobby is open and we encourage members to wear masks or face coverings and to maintain a 6 foot separation. If you are sick please stay home! Members can accomplish most tasks on line or over the phone. We have a payment kiosk that accepts cash and credit/debit cards inside the first set of doors at our 801 N Broadway office. Cash and check payments are still accepted in the night drop vault.

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OUTAGES: 970-565-4444 | CONTACT: 970-565-4444

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Seven Cooperative Principles Make the Difference

Better together

Together. It's a word that encompasses everything we do. We know that we are brighter, stronger and better when we work together. 

Cooperative businesses, like Empire Electric, are special because they are owned by the members they serve and because they are guided by a set of seven principles that reflect the best interests of those members.

Voluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

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 and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

Autonomy and Independence 

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

Education, Training, and Information

Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

Concern for Community

While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

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    Contact Us:

    Empire Electric Association, Inc

    Outages: 970-565-4444

    Office: 970-565-4444

    801 North Broadway,

    Cortez, Colorado 81321

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    ©2021 Empire Electric Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    • Home
    • Account
      • Account Login
      • Payment Options and Assistance Programs
      • Rates
      • Start or Change Service
      • Understanding Your Bill
    • Energy Programs/Services
      • DER, DG, Net Metering and More
        • Green Power Program
        • Renewable Energy Programs
        • Questions to Ask a Solar Contractor
      • Energy Efficiency Products Program (Rebates)
      • Low Income Weatherization
      • Meter Information
      • Programs to Help You Save Energy
      • Energy Saving Tools
        • Together We Save
        • Home Energy - Ways to Save
      • Energy Education for Youngsters
      • Electric Vehicle Information
    • Community
      • Empire Electric
        • Co-op Careers
        • Cooperative Difference
        • Governing Documents and Policies
        • Historical Timeline
        • Touchstone Energy
      • Membership Info
        • Annual Meeting
        • Benefits of Membership
        • Board Meetings and Minutes
        • Board of Directors
        • Capital Credits
        • Member Newsletter
        • Press Releases
        • Scams
      • Community
        • Community Room
        • Community Resources
        • Donation and Sponsorship
        • Photo Contest
        • Scholarships
        • Youth Trips
    • Safety
      • Electrical Safety
        • Electrical Safety Information
        • Safety Demos
        • Safety Quiz
      • Outage Center
        • Prepare for an Outage
          • Outage FAQ
        • Storm Center