What is an Electric Cooperative?

Jo-Carroll Energy is a member owned and controlled utility which provides electricity and associated services at cost to its consumer/members in Jo-Daviess and Carroll counties.

Electric cooperatives were established by rural pioneers all across the country in the latter 1930s and early 1940s. Jo-Carroll Energy was organized as a nonprofit corporation in 1939. Cooperatives brought electricity to rural areas that the investor-owned utilities wouldn't or couldn't serve, turning on the lights for thousands of farmers and rural dwellers. Jo-Carroll Energy's first 20 miles of lines were energized on May 3, 1940, bringing service to 60 members.

Rural electrification was made possible by the Rural Electrification Administation created on May 11, 1935, and later by enactment of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 on May 20, 1936. The REA program took off and soon became so popular and successful that electric cooperatives became known as "REA's."

Still today, electric cooperatives like Jo-Carroll are the primary providers of electricity in rural Illinois areas. The cooperative no longer serves just farmers in the diverse rural area - today the cooperative serves small businesses and industries, farm, residences, cabins and recreational homes. Because electricity was there, rural areas have developed.

 The cooperative provides top-quality electric service to its members at cost. As a non-profit cooperative, Jo-Carroll returns the "profits," or revenues that are in excess of expenses, to the members on a patronage basis. These funds are referred to as "capital credits."

JUDITH REEDY is the current Find Your Name winner. To qualify for your prize, please call Jo Carroll Energy at 1-800-858-5522.

Today's cooperatives are governed by a unique form of democracy. Consumer-members, who own the cooperative, control it through the election of directors representing their interests on the cooperative's board of directors. Jo-Carroll is divided into nine districts, each served by a director elected by the members through an election by mail. These directors serve three-year terms.

Local control through a locally elected board of directors ensures all members an equal voice in the operation of their electric supply system. The one member - one vote concept is not only a right of all members... it's a responsibility.