Mission
East River Electric Power Cooperative exists to enhance the value of its members.
The four Touchstone Energy® Cooperative values of integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community are our foundation. These values represent the cooperative difference and why our members trust us to provide reliable and affordable power and service every day.
- Integrity
Members first. Every day. That’s the power of co-op membership. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we deliver energy to our members at the cost of service, not for the profit of shareholders. - Accountability
East River belongs to the members we serve and every member has an equal voice in how the co-op is run. Each decision is made in the best interest of our members and our communities. - Innovation
Our cooperative network is always looking forward. Whether exploring renewable energy projects or developing programs to promote energy efficiency, we celebrate innovation at all levels. - Commitment to Community
Our cooperative is committed to enhancing the communities we serve. East River’s employees invest time, money and expertise in guiding economic development projects, educating students about electrical safety and leading community events and charities.
As an Electric Cooperative, we’re guided by the cooperative principles that govern all co-ops.
- 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 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. - Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. They usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any and all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative and possibly 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 agreement 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 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 structure. - Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their community through policies accepted by their members.
East River’s member-focused strategic plan is our guiding compass.
The plan re-emphasizes our core values of integrity, accountability, innovation, commitment to community, safety and health. It also identifies strategic themes and initiatives for East River’s staff to follow as we move into the future.
The plan’s strategic themes are to provide leadership on public policy; work together with a common voice and common service; continually strive for organizational excellence; and the ongoing effort to always provide reliable, affordable power and to be a sustainable organization.