By design, electric cooperatives are different.
They are not owned by distant shareholders or outside investors. They are owned by the people they serve—members like you. That means the direction of the cooperative is not set in a boardroom far away. It is shaped right here at home, by the members who choose to participate.
That is why your attendance— and your vote—at the upcoming Annual Meeting of Continental Divide Electric Cooperative matters.
This year’s meeting includes several important items of business. Members will elect three trustees to serve on the cooperative’s governing board. Members will also be asked to consider proposed amended and restated bylaws and, contingent on that outcome, a proposal to reapportion voting districts.
Each of these decisions plays a role in how your cooperative is governed.
The bylaws are the rules that guide how the cooperative operates. They define how decisions are made, how trustees are selected, and how the cooperative serves its members. The proposal before members this year is largely focused on improving clarity and organization. Much of the document has been restated so that it is easier to read, understand, and apply.
At the same time, there are a few key areas where members are being asked to consider meaningful updates.
One proposed change would strengthen trustee qualifications, helping ensure that those elected to serve on the Board meet clear and consistent standards. Strong governance starts with strong leadership, and this update is intended to support that principle.
Another proposal would allow the cooperative to adjust its voting districts so that representation more closely reflects the membership it serves. If the amended bylaws are adopted, members will then be asked to vote on a reapportionment plan that would realign district boundaries to better reflect today’s service territory.
There is also a proposal related to patronage capital—the margins returned to members over time. The update would allow the cooperative to return capital not only from electric service, but also from other services, such as broadband. As the cooperative continues to evolve, this change is intended to ensure that members are treated fairly across services.
In addition to these governance decisions, members will also elect trustees who will be responsible for overseeing the cooperative’s operations, setting policy, and representing the interests of the membership. Trustee elections are one of the most direct ways members influence the direction of the cooperative. Each of these items— the bylaws, the district structure, and the election of trustees—deserves thoughtful consideration. And that is exactly why participation matters.
Cooperatives only work as intended when members take part. Voting is not just a right—it is how ownership is exercised. When members attend, ask questions, and vote, they help ensure that the cooperative reflects the needs and priorities of the communities it serves.
Equally important, participation helps maintain the cooperative’s independence and local control. Decisions made by engaged members today help shape the reliability, affordability, and services of tomorrow.
Whether you support the proposals or have questions about them, your voice matters.
The Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Grants High School. Members are encouraged to review the materials in advance, attend the meeting, and take part in the vote.
At Continental Divide Electric Cooperative, ownership is not just a concept— it is a responsibility shared by every member.
And it starts with showing up. Macario Juarez Member Relations/Government Affairs Manager Continental Divide Electric Cooperative, Inc.