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What is a Co-op

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  1. About Us
  2. What is a Co-op

The nation's consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives are unique within the $391 billion U.S. electric utility industry. More than 900 cooperatives in 47 states provide electric service to almost three-quarters of the nation's landmass.

Providing safe, affordable, and reliable power, many cooperatives are significant economic drivers within their local communities.

Co-ops are much more than energy companies: concern for the community is a core principle of the cooperative business model. Typical cooperative-sponsored economic development initiatives include revitalization projects, job creation, water and sewer systems improvement, and assistance in delivering health care and educational services.

In short, co-ops seek to improve the quality of life for their members and their communities.

Electric cooperatives are:

  • Private, independent, non-profit electric utility businesses

  • Owned by the members they serve

  • Incorporated under the laws of the states in which they operate

  • Established to provide at-cost electric service

  • Governed by a board of directors, elected from the membership, who set policies and procedures implemented by the cooperatives' steering team

North Carolina's electric cooperatives serve more than 2.5 million people across North Carolina in 93 of the state's 100 counties. The 26 electric cooperatives are private, independent, and not-for-profit entities committed to providing a high standard of service to residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers with at-cost electric service. North Carolina's electric cooperatives emphasize the importance of community involvement, integrity, accountability, and innovation.

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Call.png  (800) 683-5571

Fax.png  (910) 843-4131

Fax.png  Headquarters Located at:
       6090 NC HWY 711
       Pembroke, NC 28372

 

About Us

Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation is a not-for-profit electric utility owned by the more than 58,000 members we serve in Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, Moore, and Scotland counties. We currently serve more than 66,475 accounts and have over 78,000 power poles spanning more than 5,300 miles across those five eastern North Carolina counties.

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©2025 Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

  • Board Meetings
  • About Us
    • Leadership
    • News & Updates
    • Annual Meeting
    • Annual Report
    • Articles of Incorporation
    • Form 990
    • The Cooperative Difference
    • Touchstone Energy
  • Member Services
    • My Account
      • Payment Options
      • Understanding Your Bill
      • Payment Assistance
    • Become A Member
    • Member Handbook
    • Member Safety Guide
    • Cooperative Bylaws
    • Service Rules & Regulations
    • Electric Rate Schedules
    • Capital Credits
    • Vegetation Management
    • Sponsorship & Donation Request
  • Educational Programs
    • Scholarships
    • Bright Ideas Educational Grant
    • Electric Cooperative Youth Tour
    • Touchstone Energy Sports Camp
    • Career Days
    • Safety Demos
  • Energy Programs
    • Residential Rebates & Offers
      • Rebate Programs
      • Smart Thermostat Program
    • Customer-Owned Generation
    • Renewable Energy
      • NC Green Power
      • Renewable Energy/Member Generation
    • ElecTel Energy Loans
      • Energy Efficient Loans
      • Electric Vehicle Loans
    • Electric Vehicle (EV)
    • HomeServe
    • Energy Saving Tips & Tools
  • Contact Us
  • RIVR Tech