ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
Firelands Electric Cooperative is guided by seven core principles and values: voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training, and information, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for community. These principles are rooted in our cooperative model to ensure member ownership, community focus, and a commitment to ethical practices.

Cooperative Elections
Democratic member ownership and control is a core principle of Firelands Electric Cooperative, which is the heart of our utility. Co-op members are considered part owners of Firelands Electric and have a voice in its operation by exercising their right to vote, including electing board members who represent their interests. Firelands Electric’s democratic election process and annual meeting events serve as a crucial platform for members to exercise their ownership rights and a way to engage with the cooperative's operations.

Annual Meetings
Cooperative member events and annual meetings reflect the core values of cooperation, member empowerment, and community engagement that were essential to bringing electricity to rural areas of Ashland, Huron, Lorain, and Richland counties. Annual meetings continue to serve as a vital mechanism for members to engage with their cooperative to ensure its ongoing success. Annual meetings have a rich history rooted in the establishment of Firelands Electric Cooperative’s member-owned utility, which was formed in 1936 to provide electricity to rural areas where private investor-owned companies were unwilling to invest during that time.

Firelands Electric Cooperative has a history, with the first annual meeting event dating back to June of 1939. Annual meetings were, and still are, community events to serve as a vital mechanism for members to engage with their cooperative and ensure its ongoing success. This is where management and the board present updates on the cooperative's performance, finances, and future plans, ensuring transparency and accountability to the members.

While traditional in-person meetings have taken place for over 80 years, cooperatives across the nation, including Firelands, are exploring virtual or hybrid formats to accommodate busy schedules and different member preferences. Firelands Electric Cooperative's 88th annual meeting is tentatively planned for Saturday, March 14, 2026. Check be to this web page for future details and information.

To view a recap the 2025 Annual Meeting and photos, check out the links below: