Who We Are

About EMEPA

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA) exists to safely provide our members with superior service and dependable electricity at the lowest possible price and to improve the economy and quality of life in our community.

Vision

Developing pathways for community success

Mission

To deliver services that empower lives

The Cooperative Difference

EMEPA distributes reliable electric energy to more than 38,000 homes and organizations in east Mississippi. For more than 88 years, we have remained a trusted energy provider for our members in Winston, Kemper, Lauderdale, and Clarke counties as well as portions of neighboring counties. EMEPA is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative operating by the seven cooperative principles.

1st Principle

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.

2nd Principle

Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the general membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights – one member, one vote.

3rd Principle

Members’ Economic Participation

Members contribute to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of the capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. 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.

4th Principle

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.

5th Principle

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 about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

6th Principle

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

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

7th Principle

Concern for Community

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