Energy Efficiency

Through innovation, proactive leadership, and successful implementation, many Electric Cooperatives are leading the industry in maximizing efficiency practices. This award recognizes Cooperatives that are working to provide their member-owners with the most efficient systems and practices available.

Community Investment

This award recognizes investments of financial and other resources to improve the economic conditions, health, safety, or overall quality of life in your community or to improve the political participation of the cooperative’s members and employees.

Programs should strengthen the cooperative’s position in the eyes of community leaders and public officials. The visibility of your program within your community will be considered heavily as part of the judging criteria.

The emphasis of this award is on long-term, comprehensive approaches, creative ventures; and partnerships with other entities.

Youth Programs

This award honors the significant contributions of rural electric systems to local, state, and national youth programs. Programs in this category should help youth understand the cooperative business model, or the importance of civic responsibility and political or community involvement.