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Cooperative Principles

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  2. Cooperative Principles
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 Info

Fort Belknap Electric Cooperative
1302 W Main St
P.O. Box 486
Olney, Texas  76374

Outages: 940-564-2343
Office: 940-564-3526

Our Mission

To safely provide our members with electric service at the lowest possible cost, consistent with sound business practices.

 

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©2025 Fort Belknap Electric Cooperative. A Touchstone Energy Partner.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Board Of Directors
    • FBEC Bylaws
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Cooperative Principles
    • FBEC Approved Tariff
  • Member Services
    • Services And Billing
    • Critical Care Medical Form
    • Distributed Generation Procedures & Guidelines Manual For Members
    • Texas Co-Op Power
    • Annual Meeting
    • Youth Tour
    • Scholarship Information
    • Electricity Load Shedding
    • Power Of Membership
    • Touchstone Energy Savings
  • Safety
    • Indoor Safety
    • Kids Energy Zone
    • Storm Center
  • Printable Forms
    • Critical Care Medical Form
    • Employment Application
    • New Service Membership Application
    • Scholarship Application
    • Youth Tour Entry Form