How does an electric co-op compare to other utilities?
Any revenue collected and not used to pay operating expenses [profit] is returned to the members of Wasco Electric Cooperative in the form of capital credits. Profits earned by IOUs are repaid to stockholders, not customers. Profits earned by PUDs and Municipals are retained by them.
Wasco Electric Cooperative is locally owned and controlled by the members. Directors, who must be members, are elected each year at the annual meeting by the members. The board functions as a body planning, setting policy and approving budgets. Their common goal is providing the best possible services at the lowest possible cost.
IOU boards generally consist of stockholders interested in a rate of return on their investment.
