Real People. Real Care. Real Principles. That’s the OTEC Advantage!

It’s hard to find anything that is done with a high degree of care and intentionality these days. 

But that’s what makes Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) so special. We’re real people, providing real care that’s guided by seven very real principles. In fact, you could say we’re a people-centered business!

In October, we celebrated National Cooperative Month. However, no matter what time of the year, it’s important to highlight what makes cooperatives like ours so different from the rest. 

A Commitment to Serve the Community 

Since the inception of National Cooperative Month in 1964, more and more Americans are recognizing the tremendous value of member-owned organizations.

Cooperates like OTEC operate with a goal of offering cost-effective and reliable service, which is crucial in rural areas like ours. Even better? It reinforces our commitment to serve the community. 

The Power of Principle

At OTEC, we only succeed when our community does. Sure, we work here, but we’re also real people who live here, too. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable electricity and services that support the economy and the quality of life of OTEC member-owners.

That’s why we care so deeply about supporting you through things like community sponsorships, charitable donations, and even college scholarships. Real care is at the core of our Seven Cooperative Principles:

1. Open and Voluntary Membership: If you need our services and accept the responsibilities of membership, you’re welcome to become a member and owner of OTEC.
2. Democratic Member Control: You’re a member-owner, not a customer. What does that mean? It means you are helping guide the cooperative by electing members to represent you on our board of directors, leaders who make decisions based on what is in the best interest of the cooperative, and cooperative members.
3. Members’ Economic Participation: Our members own the cooperative and share in our success. When the coop earns more than it spends in a given year, those margins are allocated back to member-owners, as capital credits..
4. Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives like OTEC are autonomous organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, they do so on terms that ensure members maintain control of the cooperative.
5. Education, Training, and Information: Education and training for OTEC members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), and employees help it effectively contribute to the development of the cooperative and also helps boost cooperative understanding.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Electric cooperatives know that we are stronger when we work together. Coops own their own banks, insurance companies and more to leverage economies of scale and to support one another in times of need.
7. Concern for Community: While all of our principles are vital, this one carries tremendous importance as OTEC expands our role as a driver of economic development and sustainability in rural Oregon. Supporting the communities where we live and operate remains a key driver for the success of the cooperative and our communities.  

Co-ops Prioritize People Over Profits

Since our humble beginnings in 1987, when 700 pennies were collected from 700 citizens to ensure cost-effective, reliable power to the region, OTEC has grown into one of the largest distribution cooperatives in Oregon.

Along the way, we’ve continued investing in infrastructure upgrades to improve the safety and reliability of our system.
Our members are guaranteed that their energy needs are being met by a team that values people over profit and puts the community first. That’s the OTEC advantage!

For more information about the coop, the ways we support the community, and how to become a member, click here!