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Seven Cooperative Principles

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1. 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.

 

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2. Democratic Member Control


Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as 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.

 

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3. Member 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. The 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.

 

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4. 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.

 

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5. 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.

 

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6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

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

 

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7. 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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Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Phone: 361-364-2220 (local) or 888-740-2220 (toll free)

Fax: 361-364-3467

Physical Address: 402 E. Sinton Street, Sinton, TX, 78387

Mailing Address: P.O. Drawer 400, Sinton, TX 78387

Report an outage

361-364-2220, option 2

Make a Payment

361-364-2220, option 3

Customer Service

361-364-2220, Option 4

Energy Questions

361-364-2220, extension 151

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©2023 San Patricio Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved

  • Home
  • My Account
    • Stop or Start Service
    • Payment and Billing
    • Payment Options
    • Payment Assistance Programs
    • Rates
    • Service Fees
    • Electrician Services
    • Meter Loop Diagrams
    • Outdoor Lighting Program
    • Tax Exempt Forms
    • SmartHub
    • Critical Care & Critical Load
  • Outages & Safety
    • Report an Outage
    • Outage Map
    • Electricity Safety
    • Electricity 101
    • School Safety Program
    • Storm Safety Tips
    • Call Before You Dig
  • Manage Energy
    • Home Efficiency Checkup
    • Energy Savings Tips
    • Renewable Energy
    • Generator Program
    • Kids Energy Zone
  • Member Perks
    • Scholarship
    • Youth Tour
    • Annual Meeting
    • Capital Credits
    • HALO-Flight
    • Co-op Connections Program
  • About SPEC
    • About SPEC
    • Contact Us
    • Co-op News
    • Careers
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors
    • Bylaws and Member Information
    • Community Service
    • Frequently Asked Questions