Central Rural Electric Cooperative serves an average of five meters per mile of line compared to many other electric utilities that serve an average of 32 meters per mile of line. Even though Central serves fewer consumers along the power lines, that doesn’t stop us from going the extra mile for our members.
When you sign up for services with Central, you become a part owner in the cooperative. This ownership gives you the right to many benefits such as the option to vote in cooperative business and elect or serve on the seven-trustee member board that governs Central. Other benefits include:
Capital Credits
The cooperative model helps keep electric rates affordable by giving members a voice in their electric service, through the not-for-profit structure, and by returning excess revenue to members. The excess revenue, called margins, is used to operate and is re-invested in the cooperative until the board of trustees determines when to retire the margins and return it to members as capital credit checks.
Rebates
Did you know Central offers energy-efficient rebates for residential and commercial members? Rebates for water heaters, thermostats and electric vehicle charging stations are included on Central’s website at mycentral.coop/rebates.
Home Energy Audits
Central offers free on-site home energy audits for residential members. The audit includes an inspection of mechanical systems, insulation, windows, lighting and appliances to determine what actions need to be taken to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Learn more at mycentral.coop/residential-energy-audit.
Youth Programs
Hands-on safety training, summer camp and a trip to Washington, D.C. are all things children can participate in with Central’s educational and leadership youth programs. Youth Tour, Energy Camp, Co-op Kids and Be Safety Smart programs teach the next generation of co-op members about electrical safety, leadership and the importance of cooperatives. Learn more at mycentral.coop/youth-programs.
Empowering Communities
Central has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural areas and communities since its start in 1938. We continue to do so by providing affordable electricity to our members and by having an active role in the communities we serve.
Local nonprofits, organizations and individuals have felt the cooperative difference since 2006 when Operation Round Up and the Central Community Foundation began providing grants to assist those who need it most.