West Oregon Electric Co-Op Inc
625 Rose Ave, Vernonia, Oregon, United States

Since 1944 the West Oregon Electric Cooperative has been bringing power to the people in our communities who needed electricity for the homes and businesses that meant their very livelihood.

Today, we proudly still continue to build new lines to a growing membership while working to provide a practical and reliable system at the lowest cost possible.

West Oregon Electric Cooperative: What is the difference between us and other power companies?

WOEC, like all co-ops, is a private, not-for-profit organization that is owned and operated by our members; the very people in our communities that share our electric utility services. As a co-op, we operate democratically, meaning our members have a vote on every issue from electing the 7 local board positions that oversee the WOEC, to how much revenue will be returned to members after operation costs are covered.

Committed to our communities

The WOEC logo is now the friendly face of Willie Wirehand (© NRECA), a rural electric co-op mascot for over six decades, because we believe he is a symbol of unity and our commitment to standing up for our communities and demanding fairness, especially against the odds. All you need is look at Willie, with his light-socket head, wire frame body and electrical plug for his bottom and legs to see that although, like the WOEC, he is small, he is powered by doing what’s right for the people. To learn the history of this faithful figure, just click Willie Wiredhand.

What’s new?

Whenever energy advances and as technology evolves, we’ll feature up-to-date energy news on how it will affect our community and our members. On this website you’ll find resources for renewable power (Green Energy) and get access to the most current news magazine from industry leader, Ruralite.

Playing it safe

Electricity related accidents can occur anywhere and anytime a person or conductor interrupts the flow of the current, providing it a path to the ground.  Most of the time, using common sense and extra caution around electricity will prevent these types of accidents.

Look Up

Most accidents associated with electricity occur when someone comes into contact with overhead power lines. That’s why you must always be aware of your proximity to such lines, especially when lifting or moving tall or long objects such as rain gutters, TV antennas, irrigation pipes and ladders. These types of objects can conduct electricity through your body as it moves towards the ground. Another important tip; never fly kites around power lines.

Call before you dig

Digging into underground power lines is just as dangerous as coming into contact with an overhead line. While these underground lines are insulated they are not designed to resist a shovel or backhoe blades.  Digging into the underground lines can sever the line, causing expensive damage as well as the problems of interrupted power service.

Cooperative Principals

Voluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to anyone that is able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of the cooperative membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations that are controlled by their members. Members actively participate in making decisions and setting policies for the cooperative. 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’ Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. Usually, at least part of that capital is 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 would be undividable; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

Autonomy and 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, and 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.