The Grand Valley Power Difference

by Tom Walch, Chief Executive Officer

GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (August 2, 2024)  If you read this column regularly, you know that Grand Valley Power operates under the cooperative business model. This is different than most organizations you transact business with here in Mesa County. Cooperatives follow seven principles recognized in 1844 by the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England. Nearly a century later, in 1937, the International Cooperative Alliance adopted the principles on behalf of cooperatives worldwide.

The seven principles are a key reason that America’s electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their members first. To ensure this happens at Grand Valley Power, we have posted these principles in the main hallway at our headquarters. We took the liberty of modifying the text to align with our present-day operations. These principles have served as the framework for almost 90 years of success for Grand Valley Power:

• Open membership — our members are a vital part of our organization, and all have the opportunity to participate.
• Democracy in action — co-op leaders and decision-makers are elected by members.
• Shared economic benefits — members share in earnings that exceed operating costs.
• Independence — outside interests take a backseat to those of our members.
• Education — training and education make us more effective; our community is stronger when we promote the education of our youth.
• Cooperation — we are better when we work together: with one another, with other cooperatives, and with others in our community.
• Community — we exist to serve our community and make members’ lives better.

At our annual meeting this month, you have the opportunity to participate in some of the fundamental activities that make cooperatives special — you can see and hear about how we put these principles in action. You can exercise your vital cooperative right to elect the co-op leaders and decision makers who have the responsibility to preserve and protect our local iteration of the cooperative model. Your input will help ensure our independence.

You can do all this by joining us at our annual meeting the evening of August 8 at Colorado Mesa University’s Meyer Ballroom. If you can make it, you will see the Grand Valley Power difference, up close and in person!