National Cooperative Month salutes the power of our principles
October 2026
Providing a reliable, affordable source of electricity has transformed co-op communities into what they are today.
by Abby Berry, Contributing Writer
When you hear the word cooperative, what comes to mind? The electric co-ops who serve you hope they are at the top of your thoughts.
Regardless of the services offered, all cooperatives have one thing in common: They’re led by the people they serve — and that simple idea makes a meaningful difference.
Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes, each created to meet a specific need. Credit unions help members save and borrow money. Producer cooperatives, such as Ocean Spray and Land O’Lakes, help farmers bring their products to market. Retail cooperatives — REI and ACE Hardware, for example — are owned by their shoppers or a membership of store owners, while housing cooperatives give residents a voice in managing their communities. And utility co-ops — such as the 16 member co-ops of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives — deliver reliable electricity to the communities they serve.
Unlike many businesses that answer to outside investors or shareholders, cooperatives are built for their members and governed by leaders elected from each community. Their goal isn’t to earn a pro fit — it’s to provide value, meet unique local needs and strengthen the communities they call home. That’s exactly what makes your co-op different.
Your co-op’s story began 90 years ago when neighbors came together to bring electricity to an area other utilities wouldn’t serve as the nation was electrifying. While a lot has changed since then, your co-op’s purpose has remained steady. It’s still here to provide power and make decisions with your community’s best interests in mind.
Being locally owned means co-ops have the flexibility to focus on what matters most to the communities they serve. That’s why no two electric cooperatives are exactly alike. Every community has different needs, and every cooperative reflects those priorities.
For some co-ops, that means expanding programs that help members save energy and money. Others may focus on supporting economic development, investing in new technology or creating new opportunities for local students. Across the VMDAEC membership, your co-ops have invested in your communities as a result of member feedback or specific local needs.
You’ll also find the co-op difference in the little things: lineworkers restoring power after a storm; employees answering questions when you call; team members volunteering at community events; your co-op providing financial support to local causes and investing in young people seeking to further their education; and board members — your neighbors — helping guide decisions for the future.
Your electric co-op is your neighbor and local energy partner, and they’re committed to serving your community for generations to come.
October is National Co-op Month. We invite you to join us in celebrating the cooperative difference, because your cooperative belongs to you.
Whether it’s your electric co-op, your local credit union or ACE Hardware, cooperatives prove that when people work together, everyone bene fits.
Your membership is what keeps us focused on serving the people and communities that matter most.
Abby Berry writes about consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
