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Who We Are

Coastal Electric Cooperative is a community-owned electric cooperative providing electric service to the people of Coastal Georgia in Bryan, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties. We are dedicated to providing our members with dependable power at the most competitive rates. And because we are locally-owned and managed, you get responsive, customer-focused service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Seven Cooperative Principles

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we operate differently from other electric utilities, putting members’ needs first. We keep the Seven Cooperative Principles at the core of everything we do:

1. Open & Voluntary Membership

Membership in a cooperative is open to all persons who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.

2. Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors) are elected from among the membership and are accountable to the membership.

3. Members’ Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative.

4. Autonomy & Independence

Cooperatives are autonomous self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control, as well as their unique identity.

5. Education, Training & Information

Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperative. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

By working together through local, national, regional, and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs.

7. Concern for Community

Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.

7 Cooperative Principles Infographic (PDF)

Our Cooperative’s Values

Touchstone logo Touchstone Energy® is a national network of electric cooperatives across 45 states providing resources to help cooperatives better engage and serve their members. Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand out as trusted sources of power and information to their 30 million member-owners every day.

As a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, our four core values are:

Integrity
Accountability
Innovation
Commitment to Community

Georgia’s electric cooperatives serve approximately 4.4 million of Georgia’s 10 million residents and 73% of the state’s land area. Georgia’s electric cooperatives employ more than 6,000 workers and operate by far the largest distribution network in the state, with 194,867 miles of electric power lines.

EXPLORE OUR HISTORY