Southern Indiana Power is proud to be your electric cooperative. Our passion is serving our members and helping our communities. 

Like all co-ops, Southern Indiana Power was created out of necessity — to meet a need that would otherwise have gone unmet in our community. It’s hard to believe that 86 years ago, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric co-op so everyone in our community could benefit.

October is National Co-op Month, so this is the perfect time to reflect on our seven principles that have stood the test of time and provide a framework for the future. Adherence to the seven cooperative principles is what makes cooperatives different. 

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

Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among the membership and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.

Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the cooperative’s common property. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

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

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

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.

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