Okanogan County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (OCEC) has been proudly serving the Methow Valley with reliable and affordable energy. As a member-owned, non-profit rural electric cooperative, we serve members from Mazama to the Loup Loup Highway 20 corridor.
1939
Year Founded
3410
Members
At OCEC, our members are more than customers — they’re owners.
When you join, you gain a voice in how the cooperative is run, including voting for our Board of Directors.
You also share in any financial margins (profits) generated throughout the year.
Vision Statement
Pro-actively maintaining and enhancing a reliable and resilient distribution infrastructure while providing high-value services to the entire membership.
Capital Credits
As a member-owner, you benefit directly from our success. Any surplus revenue at the end of the year is returned to you as capital credits. These credits are eventually paid out in the form of a check, while also helping fund the cooperative’s operations in the meantime.
Okanogan County Energy, Inc.
In response to member needs, we launched a propane distribution service in 1999. Okanogan County Energy provides reliable propane sales and service throughout the Methow Valley and Central Okanogan County.
Methownet, LLC
In July 2024, OCEC acquired Methownet, a local internet service provider offering coverage from Mazama to Carlton. Soon, we’ll be expanding high-speed broadband services to our members through Methownet, LLC.
Our Guiding Principles
OCEC operates under the 7 Cooperative Principles, which reflect our values and commitment to our members:
Open & Voluntary Membership
Membership in a cooperative is open to all persons who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Elected representatives (directors/trustees) are elected from among the membership and are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (1 member, 1 vote); 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 remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Autonomy & 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 as well as their unique identity.
Education, Training, & Information
Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, helps boost cooperative understanding.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
By working together through local, national, regional, and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs.
Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.