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Cooperative Difference - Co-op Principles

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  1. About Us - My T.I.P. REC
  2. Cooperative Difference - Co-op Principles

Employee photoWhat is a Cooperative?

Rural electric cooperatives power 56% of the nation's landmass and own and maintain 42% of U.S. electric distribution lines that serve our communities. They power over 20 million businesses, homes, schools and farms in 48 states and serve 42 million people across 2,500+ U.S. counties. There are approximately 834 electric distribution co-ops that are the foundation of America's electric cooperative network.

As a member of T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative, you are both a member and an owner. Our number one priority is to provide you with safe, reliable and affordable electricity. You can be assured that we will always do our best in running your cooperative. Evidence of this member-ownership is in the fact that all earnings above the cost of providing electric service are returned to you in the form of patronage dividends. Electric co-ops rank highest in member satisfaction among the three types of utilities. We believe this is because we serve member-owners, not customers and adhere to the Cooperative Principles.

 

 

 

 

7 Cooperative Principles

Co-op Principle1 imageVoluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

Co-op Principle2 imageDemocratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

Co-op Principle3 imageMembers' Economic Participation

Members democratically control and equally contribute to the capital of their cooperative. Members may allocate surpluses for any 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.

Co-op Principle4 imageAutonomy 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 by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

Co-op Principle5 imageEducation, Training, and Information

Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

Co-op Principle6 imageCooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

Co-op Principle7 imageConcern for Community

While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

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Contact Info

T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative
P.O. Box 534
320 Industrial Drive
Brooklyn, IA 52211

Phone: 1-800-934-7976

About Us

T.I.P.'s Priority:
Provide safe, reliable electricity and service to our member-owners.

Non-Discrimination Statement:  
"This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

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©2025 T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • About Us - My T.I.P. REC
    • About Us
    • Cooperative Difference - Co-op Principles
    • Board of Directors
    • Service Territory
    • Sources of Energy
    • Cooperative History
    • Member Newsletters
      • TIPs from T.I.P.
      • Iowa Electric Cooperative Living
    • Career Opportunities
    • Cooperative Videos
  • Member-Owner Center
    • Payments & Billing
      • SmartHub Sign Up
      • Understanding My Bill
      • Billing Dates
      • Payment Options
      • Budget Billing
      • Delinquent Schedule
      • Fees & Charges
      • Payment Assistance
      • Moving Form
    • Member Benefits
      • Annual Meeting
      • Patronage - Capital Credits
      • Sales Tax Exemption
      • Commonly Requested Forms
        • ACH Payment Enrollment
        • Operation Round-Up®
        • Moving Form
        • Update Your Address
        • Sales Tax Exemption Form
  • Energy Programs
    • Managing My Energy
      • Rebates
      • Energy Audits
      • Electric Heat Pumps - Savings with Staying Power
    • Energy Options
      • Renewables Resources
      • Green Power
      • Distributed Generation - Solar Options
      • Wind Energy Questions & Answers
      • Interconnection Agreements
      • Avoided Costs
  • Outage & Safety
    • Outage Center
      • SmartHub Outage Notification Sign Up
      • Report an Outage
      • T.I.P. Outage Map
      • Statewide Outage Map
      • Power Restoration
      • Staying Safe During an Outage
    • Safety
      • Safety Information
      • Public Safety Demonstrations
      • Electrical Safety Checklist
      • Iowa One Call
      • Farm Safety
      • Portable Generator Safety
      • Grain Bin Clearances
  • Community
    • Community Involvement
      • T.I.P's Commitment to Community
      • Scholarship Opportunities
      • Youth Tour
      • Operation Round-Up®
    • Economic Development
      • T.I.P. Invests in Member Communities
      • Brooklyn Industrial Park