The power of your membership

I am honored to serve as the General Manager/CEO of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives. While I may be new to this role, I’m not new to the cooperative way of doing things — and if there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s this: Being a co-op member is different.

At an electric cooperative, you’re not just a customer paying a bill. You’re a member, an owner and a vital part of something bigger. We don’t answer to faraway investors; we answer to you. Because you have a say in how your cooperative is run, your membership isn’t just a label — it’s an opportunity.

Electric cooperatives were built by and for the communities they serve, and that spirit of cooperation still drives us today. We advocate for policies and solutions that benefit rural Oklahoma. We invest in infrastructure to ensure reliability. And most importantly, we empower members like you to have a voice in how your cooperative operates.

Every year, your co-op holds an annual meeting where you can vote for the people who represent you on the board of trustees. These are people who live and work in your community and understand its needs.

This democratic process ensures that your co-op stays focused on what matters most: providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity while investing in the communities we call home.

That focus on community isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a commitment built into the cooperative principles that guide us. Whether it’s supporting local schools, helping businesses grow or stepping up in times of need, your co-op exists to make life better for the people it serves. Membership isn’t passive — it’s active. And when you take an active role, you help shape the future of your cooperative.

I look forward to working alongside you to continue strengthening our communities. After all, that’s what being part of a co-op is all about.

By Nicki Fuller

General Manager | Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives