When you hear the word cooperative, what comes to mind? As your local electric co-op, we hope you think of Covington Electric Cooperative.
Regardless of the services offered, all cooperatives have one thing in common: They’re led by the people they serve—and that simple idea makes a meaningful difference.
Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes, each created to meet a specific need. Credit unions help members save and borrow money. Producer cooperatives, like Ocean Spray and Land O’Lakes, help farmers bring their products to market. Retail cooperatives, like REI and Ace Hardware, are owned by their shoppers or a membership of store owners, while housing cooperatives give residents a voice in managing their communities. Utility cooperatives, like CEC, provide reliable electricity to the communities they serve.
Unlike many businesses that answer to outside investors or shareholders, cooperatives are built for their members. Their goal isn’t simply to earn a profit—it’s to provide value, meet unique local needs and strengthen the communities they call home.
That’s exactly what makes CEC different.
Our story began in 1944 when neighbors came together to bring electricity to an area where other utilities wouldn’t. While a lot has changed since then, our purpose has remained steady. We’re still here to provide reliable power and make decisions with our community’s best interests in mind.
Being locally owned means we have the flexibility to focus on what matters most to the communities we serve. That’s why no two electric cooperatives are exactly alike. Every community has different needs, and every cooperative reflects those priorities.
For some co-ops, that means expanding programs that help members save energy. Others may focus on supporting economic development, investing in new technology or creating opportunities for local students. At CEC, we focus on supporting local organizations and strengthening safety education throughout the communities we serve.
You’ll also find the co-op difference in the little things: lineworkers restoring power after a storm, employees answering your questions when you call, team members volunteering at community events and board members—your neighbors—helping guide decisions for the future.
We’re your neighbor and local energy partner, and we’re committed to serving this community for generations to come.
This National Co-op Month, we invite you to celebrate the cooperative difference because this co-op belongs to you. Join us for CEC’s annual Member Appreciation Days on Oct. 20 at the Sanford office and Oct. 22 at the Enterprise office.
Whether it’s CEC, your local credit union or Ace Hardware, cooperatives prove that when people work together, everyone benefits. Your membership is what makes our mission possible—and it’s what keeps us focused on serving the people and communities that matter most.