In the interest of those they serve, Swisher Electric is follows these seven guiding principles:

  1. Voluntary and Open Membership

  2. Democratic Member Control

  3. Members’ Economic Participation

  4. Autonomy and Independence

  5. Education, Training, and Information

  6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

  7. Concern for Community

A 'touchstone' is a measure of quality and value. Touchstone Energy was selected as the most effective name for communicating the unique characteristics that convey the special nature of cooperatives. These include:

  • strength and responsiveness through a local presence;

  • a genuine commitment to the communities they serve;

  • a human relationship orientation;

  • innovation and state-of-the-art technology, and

  • high-quality service with a true focus on customers.

Cooperatives are special because they are owned by the member-owners they serve and because they are guided by seven principles. 

Today more than 900 electric cooperatives service 42 million people in 47 states that make up 12% of the nation’s population.

man and child