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Cooperative Difference

THE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE

Carroll EMC is an electric cooperative (or co-op), a utility owned by every customer who uses its services. That’s why Carroll EMC and other cooperatives refer to their consumers as Members. 

What is a cooperative?

The dictionary defines “cooperative” as “working or acting together willingly for a common purpose of benefit.” This is what the founding Members of Carroll EMC did as they worked together to bring electricity to western Georgia in 1936.

Who are the cooperative Members?

Once a consumer pays the $15 Carroll EMC membership fee, they become a Member and part owner of the cooperative. Every Member-owner has a voice in how the cooperative is operated and influences this process through voting at the annual meeting. Because the Members of the cooperative are also the owners, Carroll EMC is a locally owned and operated business.

How is Carroll EMC different from other power companies?

Many large utilities are owned and controlled by stockholders, private investors who may or may not live in the same state or even country as the company. Carroll EMC, like other electric cooperatives, is owned and controlled exclusively by local consumers. Being customer-owned is at the heart of The Cooperative Principles that define Carroll EMC’s identity.

How is the co-op governed?

Carroll EMC is democratically controlled by its Members. It is governed by a nine-member board of directors elected from among the membership. All Members are asked to participate in the co-op’s annual meeting, held each October, at which board members are elected.

How does the cooperative operate?

Carroll EMC operates on a not-for-profit basis. Excess margins are returned to Members either in the form of capital credits or in stable rates and infrastructure.

What are capital credits?

Capital credits are unique to cooperatives like Carroll EMC. Private power companies make profits and pay dividends to stockholders. Cooperatives, on the other hand, work on a not-for-profit basis and allocate to members any margins, or income remaining after all of the cooperative’s bills have been paid and all expenses considered. "Capital credits" is the term used for the allocation of each Member's share of the margins.

7 Cooperative Principles

 

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QUICK LINKS

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CONTACT US

Outages: 770-832-3552, option 1

Office: 770-832-3552

OFFICE LOCATIONS

Carrollton Main Office, 155 N. Highway 113, Carrollton, GA 30117

Buchanan Office, 3161 South US-27 BUS, Buchanan, GA 30113

Franklin Office, 106 Davis St., Franklin, GA 30217 (On town square)

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©2023 Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative. A Touchstone Energy Cooperative. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

  • About Us
    • Capital Credits
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Cooperative Difference
    • Electric Service
      • Pricing/Rates
      • Terms of Service
    • Leadership
      • Board of Directors
      • Board of Trustees
    • News
    • Office Locations
    • Publications
      • Annual Reports
      • Member Newsletters
      • Responsibility Reports
  • Broadband
  • Community
    • Agribusiness
    • Carroll EMC Foundation
      • Bright Ideas
      • Impact Grants
      • Operation Round Up®
    • Community Involvement
      • Economic Development
      • Local School Involvement
      • Together We Serve
    • Scholarships
    • Washington Youth Tour
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Energy
    • Energy Efficiency Programs
    • Green Power
    • Solar Power
  • Member Services
    • Apply for Service
    • Billing Options
      • Budget Billing
      • Levelized Billing
      • PrePay
      • Traditional Billing
    • Bill Payment Options
    • Builder Information
    • Disconnect Service
    • En Español
    • New Member Resources
    • Products & Programs
    • Rate Calculators
    • Stop Scams
    • Understanding Your Bill
  • Safety
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Electrical Inspections
    • Electrical Safety
    • Kids Safety Corner
    • Right of Way
  • Storm Center