The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) is a statewide service organization for Missouri’s 47 electric cooperatives. Organized in 1937 and headquartered in Jefferson City, AMEC represents the interest of the state’s electric co-ops and their members at the state capitol and provides other needed services to Missouri’s member-owned, not-for-profit electric providers. In addition to legislative activities, AMEC provides job training to electric co-op employees, organizes Missouri's annual participation in NRECA's youth tour of Washington DC, assists in marketing efforts and produces the award-winning monthly statewide publication Rural Missouri among other activities.
What is an Electric Cooperative?
- Electric cooperatives are privately owned businesses established to supply electricity to their member-owners.
- Electric co-ops are owned by the people who use the power the co-op provides. Its customers are also its owners.
- Electric co-ops operate on a not-for-profit basis, with excess margins returned to the consumer either in the form of patronage capital or in stable rates.
- Electric co-ops are governed by a board of directors elected from among the membership.
- Any member may run for the board and all members are asked to participate in an annual membership meeting at which board members are elected.