The Cooperative Way
Cooperatives are special because they are owned by the member-owners they serve and because they are guided by seven principles. Today more than 900 electric cooperatives service 42 million people in 47 states that make up 12% of the nation’s population.
In the interest of those they serve, Swisher Electric is follows these seven guiding principles:
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Members’ Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training, and Information
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
7. Concern for Community
Touchstone Energy
A 'touchstone' is a measure of quality and value. Touchstone Energy was selected as the most effective name for communicating the unique characteristics that convey the special nature of cooperatives. These include:
- strength and responsiveness through a local presence;
- a genuine commitment to the communities they serve;
- a human relationship orientation;
- innovation and state-of-the-art technology, and
- high-quality service with a true focus on customers.
Read more about the Seven Cooperative Principles or visit the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to learn more about electric cooperatives.