October is National Co-op Month, when cooperatives across the country celebrate the many ways co-ops are unique and more importantly, the members they serve. Your co-op was built by, belongs to and is led by people in your local community.

One of the seven cooperative principles is “concern for community,” and Kentucky’s electric cooperatives demonstrate this commitment in many ways.

This year co-ops again partnered with Governor Matt Bevin’s office on Beautify the Bluegrass, promoting the initiative in Kentucky Living and showing pride in our hometowns with some heavy lifting and TLC for Main Streets, neglected parks and welcome signs. Shown above, Kentucky Electric Cooperatives and Kentucky Living teams partnered with Brightside to weed, plant and mulch two “BrightSites,” or mini green oases, located on major highways in Jefferson County.

Co-ops also demonstrate their commitment to community by advocating for you in Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Right now, co-ops are concerned that state lawmakers might try to add a sales tax to your residential electric bill.

Please join our grassroots network of local co-op consumer-members at RuralPowerKY.com and add your voice to ours to educate elected officials on why rural Kentucky would be especially impacted by such a tax.

Chris