Vince Lombardi, famed coach of the Green Bay Packers, once said, “Success demands singleness of purpose.” The purpose of Powell Valley Electric Cooperative — the reason we exist — is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy and improve the lives of the people we serve.

October is National Co-op Month, which is the perfect time to consider how our purpose impacts almost everything we do.

Co-ops are member-owned. Electric co-ops like Powell Valley Electric Cooperative are owned by the people we serve, not by the government or investors. Co-op members elect directors to represent their interests and set policy and procedures for the co-op. This focus on our members makes co-ops far more responsive to the people and places we serve.

Co-ops are not-for-profit. Co-ops serve their communities instead of shareholders. We distribute and sell energy to our members at cost and invest excess revenues back into the electric system. All of this means that our members pay less for energy — 15% below the national average.

Co-ops are community-focused. Electric co-ops work to improve everyday life in our rural and suburban communities. We do this through reliable energy and investments in education and community development.

Later this month we will participate in the Tennessee Electric Co-op Day of Service, which is an intentional effort for the state’s electric cooperatives to get our hands dirty by serving our communities. Powell Valley Electric Cooperative will be hosting a luncheon for first responders. This is a small but real example of the many ways our co-op impacts the communities we serve.

According to Coach Lombardi, if you wish to be successful, you need to first identify your one true purpose. PVEC is successful because we have identified that purpose. It is not serving shareholders in another state. It is not making a profit. It is not pushing a political agenda.

Powell Valley Electric Cooperative’s business model is unique. It is pragmatic, mission-oriented and people-focused.

Our one true purpose is serving our members, and I hope that is seen in everything we do.

— Brad Coppock