In addition to electric service, most cooperatives are involved in community development and revitalization projects, such as small business development that create jobs, improvement of rural water and sewer systems, assistance in delivery of health care and educational services and assistance in home purchasing loans.

Cooperatives are operated to provide at-cost electric service to the consumer/owners.  On the other hand investor-owned utilities that are not co-ops are operated to maximize profit for the shareholders.  A co-ops net margin above expenses and reserves does not belong to the utility; it belongs to you the consumer/owner of the cooperative. The margins must either be used to improve or maintain operations, or be distributed to those who use the cooperatives products or services.

You can learn more about the history of Caddo Electric here.