Every October, cooperatives are recognized for the qualities that make the business model unique: local democratic control, commitment to supporting the communities they serve and improving quality of life, special benefits and services, and the return of margins (the co-op term for profits) back to members in the form of capital credits.
“Cooperatives are special,” says R.G. Brecheisen, President/CEO. “We have an obligation to provide reliable, affordable, and safe electricity, but we take that a step further. We also have a responsibility to support our members, enrich schools, and enhance our communities.” Piedmont EMC is one of more than 900 electric cooperatives, public utility districts and public power districts serving 42 million people in 47 states.
“Electric cooperatives were formed because rural communities were struggling for lack of investment,” Brecheisen explains. “Neighbors banded together and lit up the countryside when no one else would. That’s what we celebrate each October.” In addition to cooperative utilities, North Carolina residents are served cooperatively by credit unions, food co-ops, agricultural co-ops, and more! To learn more about the power of cooperative membership visit togetherwesave.com or visit pemc.coop.
Piedmont Electric, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative based in Hillsborough, is a nonprofit electric utility serving 31,000 consumers in parts of Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Granville, Orange and Person counties.
