Seventy years ago Empire's objectives were simple: to generate and/or purchase electric energy for its members only and distribute and sell electric energy to its members. The Corporation was formed without any purpose of direct gain or profit to itself. The original members were the rural farmers and ranchers and rural businesses in Montezuma and Dolores Counties in Colorado, and in parts of San Juan County in Utah. It took a little time to form the management team, borrow money through the REA Program, hire employees, obtain rights of way and new sign-ups, secure material, secure an adequate generating source and construct the line. On May 5, 1941 our records indicate the first line construction project was completed and 264 brand new members received electric utility service in their homes for the very first time.

Empire is a non-profit, member owned rural electric Cooperative. This means each year margins (profits) are allocated back to Empire's customers in the form of capital credits according to each customer's revenue for the year. These allocations are then paid back to Empire's customers as the Cooperative's financial position allows.

Through December of 2004, Empire has retired over $11,594,339 in Cooperative and Generation & Transmission Capital Credits to Empire's Customers. Empire's total assets as of June 30, 2005 are $57,443,687 with a member equity of 46.57%.

As a member/owner of the Cooperative, members have rights and responsibilities not available to investor owned or municipal utility customers. Members have a voice in the Cooperative through a locally elected board representative. Member/owners elect nine individuals from the general membership to represent them on a Board of Directors. Directors are elected each year on a rotating basis.

• Safety of public and employees
• Environmentally responsible
• Locally based
• Equitable rates and business practices
• Efficient
• Ethical
• Excellence in Customer Service
• Committed to the 7 Cooperative Principles
  • Voluntary and Open Membership
  • Democratic Member Control
  • Members' Economic Participation
  • Autonomy and Independence
  • Education, Training, and Information
  • Cooperation Among Cooperatives
  • Concern for Community

Empire Electric owns no generation facilities. Empire purchases power from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. For more information about Empire's wholesale power supplier, visit Tri-State at Tri-State Generation & Transmission.

The Board hires a General Manager to carry out daily business affairs of the Cooperative. The current General Manager is Neal E. Stephens. Mr. Stephens and his staff are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

"Welcome to Empire Electric OnLine. Contained in this website you will find pertinent information about the organization, its services, and why it exists. As General Manager, I am extremely proud of Empire Electric and what the organization represents. After review of this website, you will be too!"

- - Neal Stephens, General Manager