CMS Electric Cooperative, Inc., was founded in April 1945 and energized its first lines in June 1948. Originally, CMS took its name from the three countines it was chartered to serve: Clark, Meade and Seward. However, soon Comanche County was added to the service area. The service area covers approximately 4800 square miles with approximately 2500 miles of line.
Today, the cooperative serves approximately 5800 meters, consisting of residential, small commercial, large power and industrial loads. As with any cooperative, we are member owned, which makes us continually working ot keep our rates competitive while still maintaining excellent service. Our main office is located in Meade at 509 E. Carthage Street which is across the street from the Meade District Hospital on Highway 54. Our Coldwater District office is located at 603 N. Central. A professional staff is available to assist you with your service needs.
Service Territory
The counties we serve are as follows: Clark, Comanche, Meade and Seward. We serve a portion of Barber, Gray, Stevens, Kiowa, Ford and Haskell Counties.
Cooperative Principles
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
Member