About BEC

Bandera Electric Cooperative proudly distributes electricity to more than 27,000 members and more than 35,000 active meters across seven counties in Central Texas. Roughly 110 employees operate and maintain more than 4,600 miles of power lines.

BEC's mission is to enhance the quality of life by providing highly reliable electric and other related services, that are valued by our members, at the lowest possible cost.

As a cooperative, we are locally owned and operated by the members we serve. BEC is democratically governed by a board of directors elected by our members to represent their voice in the business of the cooperative. The board ensures the cooperative is legally and ethically run according to its bylaws and code of ethics.
 

Cooperative Principles

1. Voluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2. Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.


3. Members’ Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4. 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 by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

5. Education, Training, and Information

Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7. Concern for Community

While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
About

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Contact BEC
Pay Your Bill
866-226-3372

Report an Outage
866-226-3372

Membership Questions
8 a.m.-5 p.m., M-F
866-226-3372
By Email