Innovative Energy Alliance Cooperative

Established in 2007 with neighboring cooperatives Mor-Gran-Sou, Roughrider, and Slope Electric Cooperatives, the alliance was created to share management services with the intention of reducing costs and allowing the respective boards of directors to retain local control. KEM Electric Cooperative joined the alliance in 2012. In the cooperative spirit of working together for the greater good, the concept of sharing resources to streamline processes and add efficiencies gained momentum. The alliance expanded, adding key positions that were necessary at each of the cooperatives and could be shared. Just like the co-general managers, alliance employees were hired to split their time and talents among the four cooperatives. Members at the end of the line primarily know their local, hometown cooperative. From the linemen in the field to customer service representatives in the office, local employees with boots on the ground are the first line of service at each cooperative, respectively. Alliance employees are a secondary layer of employees who assist with larger or specialized projects.