Cloverland Electric Cooperative was founded in 1938. Prior to 1936, much of rural america was without electricity. In fact, it wasn’t until the passage of the Rural Electrification Act, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, that electricity would begin its move into America’s rural countryside. Electric cooperatives were organized to provide this service and make the dream of electricity on the farm a reality. 

When the lines were originally energized, Cloverland brought power to 1,090 co-op members. Today, the company serves 42,000 accounts, including electric service to more islands than any other cooperative in the nation.

In 2010, the cooperative doubled in size through the acquisition of Edison Sault Electric Company. Cloverland now maintains local control of the hydroelectric plant in Sault Ste. Marie. From 1910-1963, the plant was used to generate electricity for the Union Carbide complex located on that property. In 1963, Union Carbide decided to sell the complex, providing an opportunity for Edison Sault to purchase the facility and convert it into one capable of producing electricity for consumers in the area. The plant was purchased by Edison Sault in 1963. 

Our Mission

Cloverland Electric Cooperative is focused on being environmentally responsible while providing exceptional service to its members through the delivery of safe, reliable and affordable electricity.

The Seven Cooperative Principles

1. Voluntary and Open Membership – Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control – Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
3. Members’ Economic Participation – Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. 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 by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
5. Education, Training, and Information – Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives – Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
7. Concern for Community – While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.