About Warren Electric Cooperative:
Warren Electric Cooperative was incorporated in May 1939, thanks to the efforts of local farmers and business leaders committed to bringing electricity to rural areas of Warren County. The first substation was energized in 1940 in Pittsfield, and the original office was also located there until moving to Youngsville in 1943.
Today, Warren Electric operates six substations, three metering points, and maintains 1,050 miles of distribution line, serving over 8,500 meters across Warren, Forest, Venango, Crawford, and Erie counties.
The Cooperative Difference:
As a member-owned cooperative, you have a voice in how we operate. Each year on May 15, members elect a Board of Directors during the annual meeting. This nine-member Board, elected from the general membership, sets policy and makes decisions in the best interest of all members.
Unlike investor-owned utilities—where stockholders elect the Board and consumers have no direct influence—Warren Electric members are both consumers and owners. Your voice matters here.
The Seven Cooperative Principles
Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance. These principles are a key reason why America’s electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of our members first
1) Voluntary and Open membership: Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender or economic circumstances.
2) Democratic Member Control: Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors) are elected among members and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote).
3) Members’ Economic Participation: Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of the capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4) Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control as well as their unique identity.
5) Education, Training and Information: Education and training for members, directors, CEOs and employees help them contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communication about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.
6) Cooperation Among Cooperatives: By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies and deal more effectively with social and community needs.
7) Concern For Community: Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.