The Vigilante Electric Cooperative (VEC) mission is simple, to provide our members with a reliable source of electricity at the lowest possible cost.
The main VEC office is located in Dillon, with outposts in Whitehall and Townsend. The cooperative is governed by a 9-member Board of Trustees and operates according to a core set of principles. We are owned by the members we serve.
History
1937
Founded in 1937, and located in Whitehall, a stock company licensed under the name Jefferson Valley Rural Electric Cooperative began operation.
1939
After reorganization, this business became a non-profit membership cooperative with a new name, Vigilante Electric Cooperative, Inc.
The original service area extended from just north of Twin Bridges down the Jefferson River Valley, and included areas around Silver Star, Waterloo, Whitehall, Cardwell, and Jefferson Island.
1940s
Sometime during the first couple of years of its existence, the headquarters was moved to Twin Bridges.
With the expansion of the cooperative’s distribution system southward into Beaverhead County, the office was moved to Dillon in 1943.
Today
Vigilante Electric Cooperative provides electrical power in 9 Montana counties and 1 Idaho county.
With our main office in Dillon, and outposts in Whitehall and Townsend, we provide electrical power to over 11,000 services and maintain over 2,700 miles of transmission and distribution line.
7 Cooperative Principles
Open and Voluntary Membership
Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among the membership and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (1 member, 1 vote); 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. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; 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 as well as their unique identity.
Education, Training, & Information
Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs.
Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.