Haywood EMC, along with electric cooperatives across the country, operates according to the 7 Cooperative Principles. Each principle is a key reason that cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their members first.

This month, Haywood EMC wants to share more about the second cooperative principle, Democratic Member Control. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their member-owners, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors) are elected among member-owners and are accountable to them. Each member-owner has equal voting rights–one member-owner, one vote.