What sets co-ops apart from other providers

Randy Price, Paulding Putnam CEO

As I reflect on Member Appreciation Day and our 90-year history, I'm reminded how special it is to live in rural America and serve our members. Cooperative employees are built differently — and it shows in their commitment to improving the lives of the people we serve with both electricity and fiber internet. 

Travel anywhere in the U.S., and you can plug in your phone the same way — but the organizations delivering that power the sme way — but the organizations delivering that power through the wires vary greatly. 

Electricity is delivered by three types of providers:

• Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) — serving about two-thirds of American homes and businesses
• Public Power Systems — serving roughly 15%
• Electric Cooperatives — serving the remaining 13%

The co-op difference

The biggest distinction? The profit motive. IOUs exist to make a profit for shareholders. Their decisions are often influenced by stock value and investor returns — not necessarily what's best for the people using the service. 

In contrast, public power systems and cooperatives are not-for-profit. Their goal is to serve customers at the lowest possible cost - not to turn a profit. Co-ops go a step further: they are member-owned. That means our members aren't just customers - theiry also are bosses. 

Our board of directors is made up of local members who live and work in the communities we serve. Decisions are made with their neighbors in mind, not investors hundred of miles away. 

Rural focus, local commitment

IOUs and public power providers often focus on cities an densely populated areas. Co-ops were born to serve rural America — places overlooked by other utilities. Our members are more spread out, but that doesn't stop us for investing in the communities we serve. In fact we see it as our responsibility. 

That's why we've recently invested in a fiber internet network, offering a new service that puts our members' needs first, just like we've done with electricity for 90 years. 

What makes our fiber service unique:

• Direct connection to your home or business - Hardwired fiber-optic connection for consistent, interference-free performance
• Symmetrical upload and download speeds - Great for video calls, gaming, streaming, and working from home
• Pakced designed for real life - Whether you're online all day or just occasionally
• Managed Wi-Fi with cycbersecurity - Including the PauldingPutnamIQ mobile app. 
• Local, friendly customer service - Speak to someone who lives where you do
• Simple pricing - No contracts, hidden fees, or data caps

Cooperation makes us stronger

Unlike IOUs, which compete for investor attention,co-ops work together. Through the Seven Cooperative Principles, we collaborate with neighboring co-ops, co-own generation assets like solar farms, and share knowldge to better serve our members. This cooperative spirit makes all of us stronger.