When you hear the word cooperative, what comes to mind? As your local electric co-op, we hope you think of Cuivre River Electric Cooperative.
Regardless of the services offered, all cooperatives have one thing in common: they’re led by the people they serve –– and that simple idea makes a meaningful difference.
Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes, each created to meet a specific need. Credit unions help members save and borrow money. Producer cooperatives, like Ocean Spray and Land O’Lakes, help farmers bring their products to market. Retail cooperatives, like REI and ACE Hardware, are owned by their shoppers or a membership of store owners, while housing cooperatives give residents a voice in managing their communities. And utility cooperatives—like CREC — provide reliable electricity to the communities they serve.
Unlike many businesses that answer to outside investors or shareholders, cooperatives are built for their members. Their goal isn’t simply to earn a profit — it’s to provide value, meet unique local needs and strengthen the communities they call home.
That’s exactly what makes CREC different.
Our story began in 1941 when neighbors came together to bring electricity to an area when other utilities wouldn’t. While a lot has changed since then, our purpose has remained steady. We’re still here to provide power and make decisions with our community’s best interests in mind.
Being locally owned means we have the flexibility to focus on what matters most to the communities we serve.
We’re your neighbor and local energy partner, and we’re committed to serving this community for generations to come.
This National Co-op Month, we invite you to join us in celebrating the cooperative difference, because this co-op belongs to you.
Your membership is what makes our mission possible — and it’s what keeps us focused on serving the people and communities that matter most.