Electricity and Paper – Why Electrical Co-operatives Are Turning to ECM Software
When we turn on a light switch, we often take that for granted, but there was a time when large parts of the United States did not have electricity. Thanks to investments made during the New Deal and after, rural and more sparsely populated areas of the United States were brought on to the grid. Every day, more than 900 not-for-profit electrical co-operatives serve 42 million members in 47 states and they do this by maintaining and providing an essential service. Electrical co-operatives are unique in that they are governed by seven principles. Arguably the most important of these, that their customers are members, is critical to the customer service and affordable cost of the power they provide. But, unfortunately, recent fluctuations in energy prices have affected their ability to provide electricity at an affordable price. The rising prices at the pump have had a ripple effect on a number of fuels, often causing other fuels, coal, natural gas and propane, to rise in price as well.