About Midstate
Midstate Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MEC) is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility delivering safe, reliable, and affordable power to more than 21,000 meters across Central Oregon. For over 70 years, we’ve proudly served our communities—powering homes, businesses, farms, and industries while supporting local schools, economic growth, and the people who make Central Oregon thrive.
As one of 18 rural electric cooperatives in Oregon, MEC is guided by its members and dedicated to powering a brighter future together. Oregon and is a proud member of both the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA).
1948
MEC was incorporated.
1952
MEC was energized and there were 153 member-owners, 7 miles of energized line, and 6 employees.
2020
MEC had $35,218,333 in revenues and a gross plant value of $124,189,908.
2024
MEC grew to 21,709 meters, 2,411 miles of energized line, and employed 65 people.
Our Mission
Midstate Electric Cooperative delivers safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy services while providing outstanding service to our members and communities.
Service Area
MEC provides electric service to portions of 4 counties in Central Oregon.
Deschutes
Lake
Klamath
Lane
MEC’s service territory covers approximately 5,600 square miles, stretching from the Cascade Mountains to the west, Lava Butte to the north, Klamath Marsh to the south, and east of Christmas Valley.
Governance
MEC’s service territory is divided into 9 districts and is governed locally by a nine-member board of directors—1 from each district—elected by the members to serve a three-year term.
Elections for directors take place each year at the co-op’s annual meeting, which is usually held in May.
The directors spend a considerable amount of time keeping pace with the changes in the industry. The management at the co-op is not only keeping pace with the changes but is also implementing cost-saving techniques and services. This is being accomplished by a team of highly trained, professional employees.
Fast Facts
21709
Meters
65
Employees
2411
Miles of Energized Line
5600
Square Miles Service Territory
9
Board Districts & Directors
What is a Cooperative?
Being part of a Cooperative is unique because they are member-owned and operate for the benefit of the members, rather than to earn profits for investors. Cooperative members enjoy distinct advantages over investor-owned utility customers.
Locally owned and operated
MEC is owned and operated by our member-owners (customers) and focuses on your needs and local priorities. Members have local control because the Board of Directors resides within the co-op’s service area.
Member-Owners are first
Members know they can trust their electric cooperative, because it was created not to make a profit, but simply to provide reliable electricity and service at an affordable rate. Rates are based directly on what it costs the co-op to buy and deliver energy to each class of consumer.
Responsive to local needs
MEC works hard to achieve a better quality of life and higher level of service for our member-owners. Our goal is to exceed your expectations.
Cooperatives are based upon 7 principles. These date back to 1844. Today, we still hold these principles up in the highest regard as guidelines to follow in all of our daily business practices.
The 7 Cooperative Principles
Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (1 member, 1 vote), and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common party of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of the membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Autonomy & Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
Education, Training, & Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.