Chugach Electric Association, Inc
5601 Electron Drive , Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Chugach Electric Association is headquartered in Anchorage, Alaskas largest city. Anchorage itself sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains. The word "Chugach" comes from an Alaska Native name, which the Russians recorded as "Chugatz" or "Tchougatskoi." In 1898, U.S. Army Capt. W.R. Abercrombie spelled the name "Chugatch" and applied it to the mountains.

Chugachs corporate vision:

Responsibly developing energy to build a clean, sustainable future for Alaska.

Chugachs corporate mission:

We provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity through superior service and sustainable practices, powering the lives of our members.

Chugachs corporate values:

Guided by our values of safety, accountability and sustainability, we are committed to serving our members, the community, and the Chugach team.

Cooperative Benefits

• Owned and democratically controlled by their members – the people who use the co-ops services or buy its goods – not by outside investors; co-op members elect their board of directors from within the membership.
• Return surplus revenues (income over expenses and investment) to members proportionate to their use of the cooperative, not proportionate to their “investment” or ownership share. This is Chugachs “capital credits” program.
• Motivated by service, not profit – to meet their members needs for affordable and high quality goods or services.
  Exist solely to serve their members.
• There are about 950 electric cooperatives across the country.
• Other businesses can be organized as cooperatives. There are a number of telephone cooperatives in the country. Other examples of cooperatives include REI and Sunkist.

History of Cooperatives

The “modern cooperative era” began in 1844, when the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society was established in Rochdale, England. Its members documented the principles by which they would operate their food cooperative, implementing the central tenets around which cooperatives are structured today.  Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cooperatives sprung up sporadically in America, particularly in times of economic hardship. In 1922, Congress passed the Capper-Volstead Act, allowing farmers to collectively market products without being held in violation of the nations anti-trust laws.  In the Depression years, Congress established various agencies to provide loans and assistance to cooperatives, including the Farm Credit Administration (1929), the National Credit Union Administration (1934), and the Rural Electrification Administration (1936). The National Cooperative Bank was established in 1978 under the National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act. The banks central function to this day is to stimulate economic growth and community development via an array of financial services for cooperatives.

The Seven Rochdale Principles

• Voluntary and Open Membership
• Democratic Member Control
• Members Economic Participation
• Autonomy and Independence
• Education, Training, and Information
• Cooperation Among Cooperatives
• Concern for Community

Energy Savings For Your Home

In order to reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption, and fuel costs, Chugach assists members in making informed decisions regarding energy efficiency and conservation methods. Let us help you save energy and save money.