For starters, electric co-ops are owned by those they serve. That’s why those who receive electric service from us are called members, not customers. Without members, there would be no Runestone Electric Association.

Members maintain democratic control of our co-op, which means they elect fellow members to represent them on the board of directors in the spring at our annual meeting. As a bonus, co-op members receive special benefits like Energy Management Programs. When possible, margins (“dividends”) are returned to our members in the form of capital credit checks.

One principle that sets us apart from other businesses is our concern for community. As a cooperative, we have a special responsibility to support the areas in which our members live and work. From sponsoring local food shelves to supporting new jobs and industry through our economic development efforts, we stand as a driving force in our communities.

Of course, co-ops span all industries, including credit unions, dairy operations, health care, housing, and much more. There are more than 29,000 co-ops across the nation and not all are small or rural. Just look at nationally known co-ops like Sunkist, Ace Hardware, and Land O’ Lakes.

Overall, co-ops are more accessible than other types of businesses. We give our members a voice, and we are local—living and working alongside those we serve.

That’s the cooperative difference.

Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance. Cooperatives trace the roots of these principles to the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844. These principles are a key reason that America’s electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their members first.

1. Open and Voluntary Membership
   Membership in a cooperative is open to all persons who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.
2. Democratic Member Control
   Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Elected representatives (directors/trustees) are elected from among the membership and are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
3. Members’ Economic Participation
   Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence
   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 as well as their unique identity.
5. Education, Training, and Information
   Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, helps boost cooperative understanding. 
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
   By working together through local, national, regional, and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs.
7. Concern for Community
   Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.

Exclusively for the members of REA

Service First

When you contact our office with any service or billing related question, we will respond within two working days,
guaranteed. This is our commitment to superior customer service. If we fail, we’ll apply a $20 credit to your electric service account.

Courtesy

Our staff is here to help you. If you are ever treated in a discourteous manner, your next month’s fixed charge is on us.

Yard Lights

Your (Runestone Electric owned) yard light is important, both to you and to us. When it fails, we will have it fixed within five working days from the time you notify us. If not, your following month’s yard light billing is free.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Our bottom line is your satisfaction. Any time you feel that we have not performed up to your expectations, let us know. Our goal is simply to maintain the highest standard of service in the industry.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at  https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Runestone Electric Association’s rates and policies are the responsibility of an elected seven-member board of directors. As a cooperative member, you are entitled to vote for the director from your district every three years. Any member residing in the district may seek the position of district director. Your directors are your voice in the operation of your co-op. Current directors are located here »

Interested in becoming a director?
Check out the director qualifications »

Runestone Electric’s service territory is divided into seven districts. Each district elects a representative to serve a three-year term on the board of directors. Check out the map »

Capital credits are one of the great advantages of belonging to a cooperative such as Runestone Electric. As a member you are more than a customer. You are an owner of the cooperative and entitled to share in what’s left over after all expenses are paid. Your share of these margins is called capital credits.

At the end of the year, net margins are allocated to each member based on the amount of electricity purchased by his/her account during the year.

The board of directors decides when to retire capital credits based on the cooperative’s financial condition. In the meantime, Runestone Electric uses the money as working capital for operating and reinvesting in the cooperative. These funds are used to retire debt and to build equity, or ownership, for the members.

Should you move off the system, be sure to notify us of your new address and of any subsequent address changes. This will ensure that you receive your capital credit checks when your share of patronage is refunded.

Learn More »

Great River Energy »

Runestone Electric is a member of another cooperative, Great River Energy (GRE) of Maple Grove, Minnesota. GRE is our generation and transmission cooperative delivering wholesale electric power to our substations. From the substations, Runestone Electric’s distribution lines carry the power to your home or business. GRE serves some of the fastest growing regions in Minnesota. GRE’s resource mix is very diverse totaling approximately 2,800 megawatts.

Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) »

Runestone Electric also receives power from WAPA or Western Area Power Administration. The energy we receive from WAPA is hydroelectric power.

Heartland Security »
Owned by 14 electric cooperatives, including Runestone Electric Association, Heartland Security protects your home, your business, and your loved ones. You can rely on Heartland Security to safeguard what matters most to you.

Star Energy Service »
STAR Energy Services LLC is based in Alexandria, MN, with a branch office in La Crosse, WI. The company was formed in 1997 to provide electrical engineering services and operational support to rural electric utilities. They offer a variety of services to assist electric utilities with distribution of electricity as well as provide a variety of technology solutions to enhance delivery and reliability of electricity. Visit www.star-energy.com to learn more.

Each year districts elect directors. Districts 1 & 4 hold elections in one year, Districts 2 & 5 the following year, and Districts 3, 6 & 7 the year after that. When the district in which your membership resides is having an election, you may seek nomination to be a director candidate at the District Meetings. Nomination by petition is also available with fifteen or more signatures from members in your district within fifteen days after the District Meeting. Please see the Director Qualifications »

REA holds an Annual Meeting to update members on how their co-op is doing financially and operationally, to elect directors, and to transact business. It is an opportunity for members to learn more about their co-op, ask questions, and learn more about programs offered by REA. Members are notified each year by mail and in the newsletter when and where the Annual Meeting will take place. Learn More »

We encourage ALL members to vote in director elections. REA holds a nomination process at our district meetings in which the names of qualifies candidates are placed on the ballot. Ballots are mailed to the members of the voting districts. Members can vote by mail or cast their vote by bringing their ballot to the Annual Meeting.
If, for any director election, there is only one nominee for a board position, so that the nominee is running unopposed, ballots will not be mailed, and the election will be determined by acclamation at the annual meeting.
Any questions on voting or elections can be answered by a phone call to the REA office at 1-800-473-1722.
Learn more about voting in director elections »

Members are encouraged to participate in the Member Advisory Council. The Member Advisory Council is made up of three member representatives from each of the seven REA districts. Appointed by the district director, Council members meet four times each year to review and discuss co-op operations and current issues. Please contact Runestone Electric if you would like to participate in the Member Advisory Council.

Learn More »

As a Runestone Electric Association member, you have the opportunity to participate in Operation Round Up®, a program which provides financial assistance to non profit organizations such as first responders/fire departments, youth activities, education, emergency assistance and other community based projects in our service territory.

Each month, Runestone Electric ‘rounds up’ the electric bills of participating members to the next highest dollar and deposits the change in a community trust account. For example, if your bill is $83.73, our billing system rounds your bill up to $84 and the 27 cents is used for community causes.

The average contribution per participating member is $6.00 or about 50¢ per month. The most a member could contribute to the program in one year is $11.88.

The fund is administered by Runestone Electric Association Community Trust Board. The Trust Board is a group of members appointed by, but operating independently of, Runestone Electric’s Board of Directors.

Keep an eye out for the quarterly distributions in the REA member newsletter, Newsline.

Participation in Operation Round Up is voluntary. If you wish to participate, do nothing. Your contribution will be included on your future bills.

If you DO NOT wish to participate, please contact the REA office.

Learn More »