News > Powering the Community’s Best Interests

Powering the Community’s Best Interests

October 6, 2023

Delivering reliable, cost-effective energy may be what Stearns Electric is known for, but what sets us apart from for-profit companies is our dedication to the well-being of the communities where we serve, live and work.

Electric cooperatives provide an essential product. By providing electricity, businesses can expand, farms can operate more efficiently, and homes can be heated and cooled. We are motivated by service, not profit.

Being a cooperative means reinvesting into our community. Any margins Stearns Electric has at the end of the year are allocated to our members based on their electricity use for that year. The Cooperative holds on to those margins for things like infrastructure improvements or building reserves. After about 20 years, those margins end up back in the pockets of our members through Capital Credit returns.

Every member of Stearns Electric is an owner and has a stake in the company. Members are encouraged to take an active role in the company by voting in elections or running for one of our board seats.

To learn more about your electric cooperative, including the latest news, programs and rebates visit our website at www.stearnselectric.org.