C&L Electric Mission Statement
To provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to our members to enhance their quality of life.
About C&L Electric Cooperative
Powering Rural Communities Since 1937
C&L Electric Cooperative has been lighting up lives since 1937, when determined residents of Cleveland and Lincoln counties joined forces to bring electricity to their communities. At the time, private power companies had deemed these areas too rural to be profitable.
Humble Beginnings
Incorporated on August 16, 1938
Originally named the Cleveland & Lincoln Electric Cooperative Corporation, C&L was formed to bring electricity to rural communities.
Community Support
The initial funding request to the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was backed by 350 local signatures for 90 miles of line.
Overcoming Challenges
When REA required at least 100 miles of line, the co-op expanded its plans to include Jefferson and Grant counties.
Approval Secured
With a revised plan of 161 miles of line and 437 signatures, the REA approved the project, paving the way for electrification in the region.
Transformative Growth
The Pace Act of 1944 helped C&L grow even more rapidly. The Act allowed the co-op to secure low-interest loans in exchange for extending service to rural areas. As a result, C&L expanded into eight counties: Cleveland, Lincoln, Grant, Jefferson, Bradley, Drew, Desha, and Dallas.
In 1955, Arkansas electric cooperatives, including C&L, gained the legal right to generate electricity. Together, they formed the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC), which continues to supply affordable, reliable electricity to C&L’s members.
C&L Electric Cooperative Is a Not-For-Profit Business
C&L Electric Cooperative operates with 1 goal in mind: to provide reliable, affordable electricity to its members. Unlike for-profit utilities, C&L charges fair rates and reinvests the revenue to ensure the cooperative remains strong and sustainable. This revenue is used to:
Maintain and upgrade equipment to keep the system reliable.
Build and extend power lines to serve more members.
Support daily operations that keep the lights on for everyone.
Capital Credits: Sharing the Success
1 of the most important distinctions of a cooperative is its commitment to its members. At C&L, any leftover revenue after operating costs is returned to members as Capital Credits. These credits reflect each member’s financial stake in the cooperative, embodying the principle of Member Economic Participation.
Here’s how it works:
When financial conditions permit, Capital Credits are refunded, ensuring members benefit directly from the cooperative’s success.
Capital Credits are assigned to each member’s account based on their electricity usage during the allocation year.
At C&L, members are more than just consumers—they are owners. This member-driven model ensures that every decision prioritizes the needs and interests of the community.
Cooperative Principles
C&L Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative. As a cooperative, we operate by these 7 cooperative principles:
1. Open & Voluntary Membership
Membership in a cooperative is open to all persons who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Elected representatives (directors/trustees) are elected from among the membership and are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (1 member, 1 vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized democratically.
3. 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.
4. Autonomy & 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.
5. 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. Communication about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, helps boost cooperative understanding.
6. 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.
7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.
C&L Electric Bylaws
C&L Electric Cooperative Corporation Bylaws set forth the basic structure by which the cooperative is governed.
C&L Electric Cooperative Amended & Restated Bylaws Final (PDF)