Cooperatives are owned by their members—the people who receive services from them—and are found in many industries. SVEC is one of more than 900 electric co-ops serving over 42 million Americans.

1. Voluntary and open membership

A cooperative is a voluntary organization, open to all people who are able to use its services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.

2. Democratic member control

A cooperative is a democratic organization controlled by its members who are given opportunities to actively participate in setting policies and making decisions..

3. Member economic participation

Members contribute to the capital of their cooperative. This capital is used to operate the cooperative, and it benefits the member in proportion to the amount of business they do with the cooperative.

4. Autonomy and independence

No matter what agreements cooperatives may enter with other organizations, its members maintain control and the cooperative remains independent.

5. Financial education, training, and information

Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative.

6. Cooperation among cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, regional, national and international organizations.

7. Concern for the community

While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by the members.

Core Values

Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees and employees are committed to operating Suwannee Valley Electric with five core values as its mission.

Safety – SVEC will provide a safe working environment for all of its employees.

Member Experience – SVEC will exceed the expectations of our members by continually working to make it easier for our members to do business with their cooperative.

Outreach to Community – SVEC will strive to educate and inform members of the direction and activities of the cooperative.

Reliability – SVEC will provide its members with reliable electric service.

Economic Viability – SVEC will maintain its financial strength by controlling cost, adopting technologies that increase efficiency and operate under a Board-approved Financial Management Plan.