| Resource Type | Use Case |
| Author / Source | Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA); Chugach Electric Association; Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative (CWEC); Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative (SIEC); Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (ECEC) |
| Publication Date | On-going |
| Location | Multi-state (framework applicable nationally) |
| Initiative Type | Program, Policy |
| Project Complexity | Beginner (a robust model like GVEA's is closer to Intermediate) |
| Recommended For | Board, Staff |
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops
A Member Advisory Committee (MAC) gives a co-op a standing group of members who learn how the co-op works and give the board and staff feedback before decisions are made. Co-ops may also call it a Member Advisory Council, Member Advisory Group, Member Advisory Board, Member Engagement Group, or simply an Advisory Committee. It strengthens democratic member control and builds trust without changing who holds governance authority. It also helps a co-op run better by testing ideas for programs and rate changes with real members early, surfacing concerns before they become complaints, and creating informed members who can explain co-op decisions to their neighbors.
These five examples show that a MAC can be sized to fit a co-op's staff, time, and member interest. A co-op can use them to choose a starting point and borrow structure and language for its own program.
Key Takeaways
| › |
A MAC can be as simple as a few relaxed meetings a year or as
robust as a formal council with written rules.
• Simple: Meets two to four times a year, accepts applications anytime, is led by the board chair, offers a meal instead of pay, and has one or two stated goals (ECEC, SIEC, CWEC).
• Robust: Seats members by district, sets terms and an annual application window, holds monthly public meetings with posted agendas and minutes, pays a stipend and mileage, uses written guidelines and a decorum agreement, and taps members for nominating, bylaw, and election committees (GVEA, Chugach).
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| › | The same basics appear at every size: a clear purpose, defined terms that rotate members, a regular meeting rhythm, and an advisory role that informs the board but does not replace it. |
| › | Representative selection matters. Several co-ops choose members by district, occupation, age, or other demographics so the group reflects the full membership. |
| › | A MAC works best as a two-way channel. Members learn about rates, history, and services, then share that with neighbors and bring community concerns back to the co-op. |
Implementation Considerations
- Regulatory or Governance Considerations: State in writing that the MAC advises and the board decides. Larger programs anchor the group in bylaws or board policy (Chugach) and set conduct expectations through a decorum agreement (GVEA), which helps keep discussions productive when topics get difficult.
- Staffing or Technology Requirements: A simple MAC needs little more than staff time to plan a few meetings and a meal. A robust model like GVEA's adds monthly meetings, stipends, mileage, minutes, and hybrid meeting technology, which may stretch a small co-op without a dedicated staff lead.
Notable Examples
- Golden Valley Electric Association (Alaska): Mid-size co-op with a highly structured Member Advisory Committee, including written MAC Guidelines and a Rules of Decorum Agreement, seats across seven districts, and monthly public meetings with posted minutes.
- Chugach Electric Association (Alaska): Large co-op whose Member Advisory Council is set up in its bylaws and board policy, capped at 15 members, and advises on topics the board assigns.
- Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative: Small co-op whose Member Advisory Group meets twice a year, has clear term limits, and asks members to gather input from their district.
- Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative: Small co-op that explains its Advisory Committee in one paragraph, including how the board picks candidates to mirror the membership.
- Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (Wisconsin): Very simple quarterly Member Advisory Council led by the board chair, open to high school student members, with meals provided instead of pay.
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