At Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, we’re proud to be more than your power provider—we’re your Electric Cooperative. Our business model is different from traditional utilities because it puts people, not profits, at the center of everything we do. Every customer is also a member, meaning you have a voice in how we operate. As a not-for-profit organization, any margins are reinvested into the community instead of going to shareholders. This community-focused approach ensures our priorities remain centered on delivering reliable, affordable power and improving the quality of life for the people we serve.

What makes electric cooperatives like UCEMC truly unique are the Seven Cooperative Principles that guide our work. These principles reflect our commitment to inclusion, democracy, and service.

The Seven Cooperative Principles are:

• Voluntary and Open Membership: Everyone is welcome—no discrimination, just inclusion.
• Democratic Member Control: One member, one vote. Every voice matters.
• Members’ Economic Participation: Members share in the profits and support the cooperative’s success.
• Autonomy and Independence: We operate with integrity and independence.
• Education, Training, and Information: We empower members and employees through learning.
• Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Together, we’re stronger—co-ops help one another.
• Concern for Community: Everything we do is about improving the place we call home.

The history of cooperatives dates back to the 1930s, a time when rural areas were left in the dark- literally. Investor-owned utilities saw no financial incentive to extend power lines to sparsely populated areas. Everything changed with the passage of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, which empowered rural communities to form electric cooperatives and bring electricity to their homes and farms. UCEMC was incorporated in 1938 as part of this movement, and we’ve been serving our members with dedication ever since. Today, we honor that legacy by continuing to focus on community, ownership, and service, just as the early founders intended.

Beyond providing power, UCEMC is here to serve you in other ways, too. Our Member Services team works hard to ensure you have the resources and support you need to manage your energy use. From flexible billing options and online account access to energy efficiency programs and budgeting tools, we’re committed to making your experience as seamless and convenient as possible. With tools like our mobile app and personalized support from our local team, we empower you to take control of your energy while keeping costs predictable.

As a member of UCEMC, you’re not just a customer—you’re an owner with the power to shape the future of your cooperative. Whether it’s voting in elections, participating in discussions at our Annual Meeting, or sharing feedback, your involvement plays a crucial role in guiding our decisions. Together, we can ensure that UCEMC continues to meet the needs of our community for generations to come.

Mark your calendars for our Annual Meeting of the Members on September 13, 2025. This event is an opportunity to connect with co-op leadership, learn about updates to your electric service, and participate in the decision-making process. It’s also a chance to enjoy delicious food, family-friendly entertainment, door prizes, and more. This is your cooperative, and we can’t wait to see you there!

At UCEMC, our mission is simple: to deliver safe, reliable power at the best value while enhancing life in our community. Together, we’re not just lighting homes—we’re building a brighter future.