What it Means to be a Member-Owned Electric Cooperative

Overhead drone shot of KREMC facility

At KREMC, we often mention how we’re one of a kind as an electric provider because we’re a member-owned cooperative. What does it mean to be member-owned, and how does it make a difference in the service we provide to our area? In this blog, we’ll explain how being member-owned makes us unique, and the difference it makes for you as a KREMC member.

You have a voice.

Because our cooperative is owned by the members (that’s you!), we welcome and value your voice. Throughout the co-op’s functions, you can use your voice to vote for our board of directors every year, talk to us personally about your questions and concerns, and represent your community at our member-oriented events.

Whenever you have an opportunity to interact with KREMC, you are invited to use your voice for the good of the cooperative and the community it serves. You have a role in our mission, and we can’t exist without you.

You can trust our integrity.

Since we’re a nonprofit cooperative, we’re designed to offer our members competitive electric rates. We’ll never try to cheat you or find unnecessary ways to increase your bill. We understand how important it is to establish trust in our community, and we work hard to do so every day.

You have opportunities to save…

If you need assistance with your bill, Kosciusko REMC is here to help. Because we’re member-owned, your family’s well-being is our priority. When you log into your account, you can set up an online arrangement to make your monthly bill more manageable according to your household’s needs.

We also provide ways to lower your bill with our free online energy advisor. This tool offers customized energy efficiency aid when you enter the requested information, to help your unique home function at its full capacity for the lowest cost.

…and opportunities to give!

There are a few different ways Kosciusko REMC provides a platform for member-to-member generosity in our community.

Give a HUG. With a household utility gift (HUG), you can give a bill credit to another member of KREMC to help them with their electric bill.
Choose Operation Round Up. All members of Kosciusko REMC are automatically enrolled in Operation Round Up unless they choose to opt-out. Every month, KREMC rounds up your bill and gives the collective rounded-up funds to grant applicants that are chosen by a committee. Apply for an Operation Round Up grant here.
At KREMC, it’s not unusual for us to provide a platform for local fundraisers. In October, we raise support for breast cancer awareness. In November, we help collect food and supplies for a local food drive that hands out Thanksgiving baskets to homes in need. Throughout the year, make sure to ask us if we have a fundraiser going on, so you’re always aware of opportunities to give.

The KREMC team at the 2022 annual meeting

You have a friend in your cooperative.

As a member-owned electric provider, the people in our service area will always be our priority. We love getting to know you, and our doors are always open during our business hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. There are always ways to get involved at KREMC!

The John H. Anglin and 4-H scholarship awards provide funds for twenty youth members of KREMC every year. Ten winners of the John H. Anglin scholarship receive $1000 toward their higher education, and 4-H scholarship winners receive $350 for their 4-H endeavors. It’s easy to apply and winners are chosen by a random drawing on the day of the annual meeting.
Our drive-through annual meeting is one of our favorite ways to get to know our members. It takes around 10 minutes to drive through the process of voting for our board members, getting a free meal, and registering your scholarship applicants. You don’t even have to leave your car! It’s such a joy to meet so many of our members on this day in June that it keeps us going all year long!
In August, every Friday is Member Appreciation Day. When you visit the KREMC facility, we hand out free gifts every week, but we almost always have something for you. We distribute the Cooperative Student Art Calendar, KREMC coloring pages, and the Farmer’s Almanac, depending on the time of year. Whenever we have a special treat or a celebratory giveaway, we’ll keep you updated on our social media pages: @KosciuskoREMC.