About TCEMC
Tri-County EMC is a:
Touchstone Energy Cooperative based in Dudley, NC
26,000
Not-for-profit rural electric utility serving more than 26,000 accounts
TCEMC serves in parts of:
Wayne County
Duplin County
Lenoir County
Johnston County
Jones County
Sampson County
Wilson County
Mission Statement
Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation is a member-driven cooperative committed to:
- Safely provide reliable electric power at a reasonable cost
- Offer superior service
- Take an active role in supporting the communities it serves
History
1930s
In the early 1930’s:
- Rural people wanted electricity just like people living in the cities
- President Franklin Delano Roosevelt recognized that rural people needed this convenience
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt created the:
- Formation of rural electric cooperatives (Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation)
- Rural Electrification Administration (REA)
1940s
With help from REA, Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation was chartered:
- On May 8, 1940
- By a group of members who banded together to bring themselves the service they needed (Electricity)
The cooperative had a meek beginning in 1940:
- With only 304 miles of line being built
- Serving mostly rural homes and farms
As time past the cooperative grew, expanding lines to areas that would not have been reached by the investor-owned utilities.
1950s
The statewide cooperative known as the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation was formed in North Carolina in 1952 with 26 electric cooperatives along with Tri-County
Its primary purpose was to:
- Generate and purchase power
- Purchase utility materials in bulk
- Provide legislative support to the member cooperatives
1960s
1970s
In the fall of 1977, the cooperative moved from Goldsboro to a new headquarters building in Dudley.
Today
Bylaws
The 7 Cooperative Principles
Cooperatives operate according to a core set of principles which make electric cooperatives different from other electric utilities.
Open & Voluntary Membership
Those who may reasonably use the cooperative’s services (within the practical limits imposed by existing facilities, geography, etc.) must be permitted to join.
None may be barred for such reasons as:
- Race
- Religion
- Sex
- Nationality
- Economic situation
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members. Members participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership.
Voting rights:
- Primary cooperatives – members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote)
- Cooperatives at other levels – are organized in a democratic manner
Member’s Economic Participation
Dollars left over after all expenses:
- Would be regarded as profit for other organizations
- Do not belong to the cooperative (but to the members)
- Must be allocated on the co-op books
Such dollars are returned to members on a basis decided by the member-elected board in proportion to each member’s use of the service.
Autonomy & Independence
Controlled by their members, Cooperatives are autonomous self-help organizations. On terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their autonomy, Cooperatives.
- Enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments
- Raise capital from external sources
Education, Training & Information
So they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives, they provide education and training for their:
- Members
- Elected representatives
- Managers and employees
They inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperation, particularly young people and opinion leaders.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through:
- Local
- National
- Regional
- International structures
- Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members
Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.