The Power of Electric Cooperatives From homes to farms to businesses, America's electric cooperatives are energy providers and engines of economic development. Since October is national Co-op Month, let's dive into how electric co-ops play a vital role in transforming communities. Cooperatives power 56% of the nation's landmass. Our co-ops serve 42 millionpeople, including 92% of persistent poverty counties. Power over 21.5 million businesses, homes, schools and farms in 48 states. 832 distribution cooperatives are the foundation of the electric cooperative network. They were built by and serve co-op members in the community with the delivery of electricity and other services. 8 RURAL MISSOURI | OCTOBER 2023 Returned more than $1.4 billion in capital credits to their consumer-members in 2021. America's Electric Cooperatives Missouri is home to From booming suburbs to remote rural communities, America's electric cooperatives are energy providers and engines of economic development. Electric cooperatives play a vital role in transforming communities. 40 distribution co-ops. 63 generation & transmission cooperatives provide wholesale power to distribution co-ops through their own electric generation facilities or by purchasing power on behalf of the distribution members.