A rural cooperative in northern New Mexico has reached a new milestone 10 years in the making, managing to achieve 100-percent renewable energy for its daytime electricity use. Unlike other investor-owned utilities, which are controlled by shareholders, rural distribution co-ops answer to the households and businesses that use energy in their local area. Cooperatives work best on a local level as they’re often much closer to understanding their customers’ needs because they are the same as the owner’s needs.
Rural energy production plants like this one, offer multiple benefits for the locals including increased employment opportunities and pollution reduction in that area. Rural coops demonstrate the power of community involvement in achieving common goals, setting a precedent for others to follow all across the world.
