Kootenai Electric Cooperative is governed by a set of rules called bylaws. These bylaws determine how we conduct business. Some of these bylaws also determine our relationship with you, our members. Changes and revisions, if any, are presented to the membership and approved at the Annual Meeting each March.
A copy of the complete text of the bylaws and articles of incorporation is available below for download or call our office and we will mail a copy to you.
If you’ve never read the KEC bylaws, or have forgotten what they say, here’s a brief summary of the articles that affect you.
Members must agree to comply with and be bound by the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws and any amendments, written policies, procedures, resolutions and such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the board of directors.
No person, firm, or corporation may own more than one membership in the Cooperative.
Members must allow the Cooperative access to the member’s property in order to inspect, repair and maintain its facilities and to read its electric meters.
Members must also pay all obligations that become due and payable by such member to the Cooperative when they are due.
The board of directors may expel any member who has violated or refused to comply with the Articles of Incorporation, these bylaws, or any rules or regulations adopted by the board of directors.
A member may resign at any time, but it does not relieve the member from any obligations the member may have to the Cooperative.
The board of directors will call an annual meeting during the month of March each year. The president of the Cooperative, at least three directors, or at least 10 percent of all active members may call special meeting.
Printed notice of the meeting will be delivered to each active member. Members who are currently purchasing electric service from the Cooperative are considered active members and are entitled to one vote at all membership meetings. A joint membership is entitled to one vote.
The business of the Cooperative will be managed by a seven-member board of directors, one from each district and two at-large. Directors are elected at the annual meeting of the members. This section of the bylaws deals with nominations, terms of office, removal of directors, vacancies, compensation, duties and emergency powers.
Kootenai Electric Cooperative operates on a nonprofit basis for the benefits of its members. Through purchasing electric power from the Cooperative, members make an investment in the Cooperative. All amounts in excess of operating costs furnished by consumers become capital credits. The Cooperative is obligated to account for credits for each consumer.
The Cooperative will notify each consumer annually of the amount of capital credits. The board of directors decides if the Cooperative is financially able to pay prior years’ capital credits. Active members, as well as inactive members, are entitled to receive capital credit payment.
The articles of incorporation and bylaws shall be a contract between the Cooperative and members.
Kootenai Electric Cooperative Summary of Bylaws