Today's Electric Co-op

Cooperatives are different from other energy providers in that our primary objective is not to maximize company profits. A cooperative's net margin above expenses and reserves does not belong to the utility. It belongs to the individual members of the co-op. This affects how we do business and drives our primary concerns:

  • providing quality service to our member-owners
  • maintaining reasonable rates through efficient operations
  • striving to be a positive force in our communities

A Proud Touchstone Energy Cooperative Member

Pioneer Electric is proud to be a part of Touchstone Energy, a national alliance of member-owned electric cooperatives providing high standards of service to members.

The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives brand represents a nationwide alliance made of more than 660 local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives in 46 states. Touchstone Energy co-ops collectively deliver power and energy solutions to more than 30 million members every day. Electric cooperatives distribute power for 75 percent of the U.S. land mass over 2.4 million miles of power lines. Electric cooperatives were established to provide electricity to rural America, and now make up the largest electric utility network in the nation. Touchstone Energy is the national brand identity for that network.

Pioneer Electric and other Touchstone Energy cooperatives are active in their communities, dedicated to serving residential, commercial, and industrial members with integrity, accountability, innovation, and commitment to community.

NRECA - Shared Services and Shared Support

Pioneer Electric is a member of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) which includes more than 900 (60+ Generation & Transmission and 850+ Distribution) electric cooperatives in 47 states. NRECA is the national service organization dedicated to representing the national interests of member-owned cooperative electric utilities and the members they serve.

The association provides national leadership and member assistance through legislative representation before the U.S. Congress and the Executive Branch, along with representation in legal and regulatory proceedings affecting electric service and the environment. NRECA also offers education and training programs for cooperative directors, managers and employees, collaborative research to enhance cooperatives' use of technology, as well as insurance, employee benefits and financial services, technical advice, and electrification assistance in developing countries around the world.

CRN - Supporting Continued Progress

Pioneer Electric is a member and founder of the Cooperative Research Network (CRN). Founded in 1973, CRN supports research into knowledge and technology tailored to support the specific needs of rural electric cooperatives. Projects range from key-account management software to green energy initiatives.

By belonging to all three of these organizations, Pioneer Electric stays in touch with our cooperative roots while looking toward the future. Membership in these organizations helps us learn from and share experiences with other cooperatives and allows us to constantly improve the services we offer to our member-owners.