It shall be the mission of the Bluestem Electric Cooperative to provide safe and reliable electric energy and other services to our consumers as efficiently and economically as possible.
Bluestem Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a nonprofit and member-owned electric cooperative.
In 1999, P R & W Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. (1940) and C & W Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. (1938) consolidated to form Bluestem Electric Cooperative, Inc. These two cooperatives were incorporated over 75 years ago by groups of rural citizens.
Bluestem Electric exists today to provide its members with quality electric service at the lowest reasonable cost consistent with good business practices.
Bluestem serves parts of Pottawatomie, Riley, Wabaunsee, Jackson, Clay, Washington, Cloud, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary and Marshall counties.
Over the years, the cooperative has added valuable programs and services for its members so that they can fully enjoy the many benefits of rural living.
Service Territory
Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-ops 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
Co-ops are 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 membership. In primary co-ops, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote).
Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-op. They 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 co-op, setting up reserves, benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-op, and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Autonomy and Independence
Co-ops are 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 co-op autonomy.
Education, Training and Information
Co-ops provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-ops.
Cooperation Among Co-ops
Co-ops serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-op movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, co-ops work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.