Mission Statement
Big Bend Electric Cooperative is a local, consumer-owned, non-profit cooperative whose mission is to provide safe, reliable service, in accordance with sound business and environmental practices.
Values Statement
Big Bend Electric Cooperative is driven by our commitment to the communities we serve, and dedicated to the ongoing training of employees empowered to serve the needs of our members in a professional, ethical manner.
Our History & Purpose
Owned by Those We Serve Since 1939
Big Bend Electric Cooperative (BBEC) was established in 1939 by local residents to bring electricity to rural areas in Adams and Franklin counties in Eastern Washington. Since then, we’ve grown from a small, humble start to a financially stable cooperative, proudly serving over 11,000 meters.
Our Membership & Services
BBEC is a member-owned organization, meaning our members have a direct say in how the cooperative operates.
- 52% of the electricity we provide goes towards residential homes and other businesses
- 48% supports agricultural purposes
Governance & Member Control
- BBEC is governed by a 9-member Board of Trustees, elected by our members.
- Trustees ensure that the cooperative remains responsive to the needs of its members.
- The Board is divided into 3 districts, with 3 Trustees representing each district.
- Elections are held annually at our member meeting in February or March.
Cooperative Difference
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.
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (1 member, 1 vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members 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 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.
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.
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, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, regional, national, and international structures.
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.