Cooperate

The definition of cooperate is “to work jointly toward the same end”. You remember the saying and probably have experienced, “Many hands make light work.” In the early 1900’s it was a necessity to help one another, especially rurally. And it was that joint effort of neighbors that built electric transmission lines and created distribution cooperatives like Vernon Electric and twenty-four more coops in our state.

The fact that cooperatives have remained solvent through the years is a testament to core principles: they are member owned and democratically run. That means members elect Delegates and the Board who in turn hire the CEO to run the day-to-day business of the cooperative. That business should be of concern to every member since it is our monies that feed the system and allow it to run.

What causes a cooperative to fail? Apathy of the membership is a major contributor to the detriment of a coop; conflicting goals is another. Misinformation or lack of transparency can cause conflict and can upend the cooperative spirit. Competition from outside might also influence a cooperative negatively.

Remember Vernon Electric Cooperative is a distribution coop. Dairyland Power is the generator, supplying electric energy to coops through coal power plants and other means. And while that has been a working relationship there are environmental factors influencing our need for locally generated renewable energy.  Drive through the Driftless and you’ll see solar panels on homes. Most, like the ones I own, are grid tied. That means when extra energy is produced it goes back into the pool of electricity that Vernon Electric transmits. Over time local panels will reduce costs for all, if allowed to continue. 

Times are changing. This is not a time for apathy. Get in the know or stay in the dark. 

The next VEC annual meeting is Saturday March 25, Bylaws, rate increases and other important issues will be raised. Your vote matters.