When you purchase power from St. Croix Electric Cooperative (SCEC), you are more than just a customer – you are a member. This is one of the key differences between rural electric cooperatives and investor-owned utilities. As a not-for-profit cooperative, SCEC was established to meet the needs of our member-owners by providing reliable and affordable electricity for the people in our community.

Having local ownership and control allows SCEC to focus on local priorities. We are highly involved in the communities we serve, easily accessible, and responsive to members’ needs. This cooperative difference is recognized each October during National Co-op Month.

Cooperative Difference
As a cooperative, SCEC operates differently from other utilities. We follow seven cooperative principles that inform the way we operate. These principles include voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; member economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training, and information; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for community.

These principles are evident in how SCEC is involved in the community. A recent example of cooperation among cooperatives was the Powered by Electricity event this fall. SCEC partnered with Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services, the University of Wisconsin River Falls Office of Sustainability and Hope for Creation to host the event.

Powered by Electricity attendees learned about all things electric, with a focus on beneficial electrification. This is the term used to describe using electricity for end-uses that would otherwise be powered by fossil fuels, where doing so reduces emissions and saves consumers money. The event included an electric vehicle (EV) showcase, EV test drives, electric bike test rides and displays of electric tools and equipment.

The cooperative’s concern for community was also highlighted over the past couple of months. SCEC volunteers prepared chili for Chili Fest in Baldwin, cooperative staff served Tuesday Community Dinner at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, two linemen shared their experience at the "Build My Future" event which included an interactive event for students to learn about various trades, SCEC volunteers picked up roadside trash to clean up the section of road we sponsor and the cooperative hosted the Coffee’s On event in October giving Baldwin-Woodville Area Chamber members an opportunity to learn more about SCEC.

To celebrate National Co-op Month, SCEC hosted a drawing where members were given the opportunity to test drive the cooperative’s 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV. This year’s DrivEV Weekend winners will share their experiences in next month’s newsletter.

As you can see, SCEC not only provides safe, reliable and affordable electricity, but we are also actively involved in, and committed to, this community. That’s the cooperative difference!