Hillco Electric Co-Op
115 East Main Street , P.O. Box 127 , Itasca, Texas, United States

HILCO Electric is a member owned, not for profit, electric cooperative that provides its members with low-cost, dependable power. Combined with efficient management , we offer electric service with promptness and professionalism.  Originating in 1937 with a handful of members in the area, HILCO serves Hill, Johnson, McLennan, Ellis, and Dallas Counties with over 2,800+ miles of overhead and underground distribution lines.  HILCO Electric purchases its power from Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, a generation and transmission supplier organized in 1941 to provide Electric Distribution Cooperatives with dependable electric power at the lowest possible cost. Brazos Electric Power Cooperative is the largest generation and transmission cooperative in the State of Texas, supplying electricity to member distribution Co-ops and municipalities that serve consumers in sixty-six Texas counties.  As a not for profit, member-owned electric utility, HILCO Electric residential, commercial, and industrial rates are among the most competitive in the United States. Brazos Electric Power Cooperative combines a portfolio of generating assets with a strategic alliance with one of the largest utilities in the U.S. to serve its members' growth for many years to come.

The Seven Cooperative Principles is what makes cooperatives different.

• 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.
• Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
• Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of 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; benefitting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
• While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.