Our Mission

We're dedicated to serving our members.

The Cooperative Difference

As a not-for-profit, member-owned corporation, Cobb EMC is dedicated to providing members the best service at an affordable price. We strive to be a good corporate citizen and neighbor, as well as a recognized leader in the utility industry. Cobb EMC is regulated by a board of nine directors, elected from and by the membership.

Our Mission

          Reliable, safe electricity,
          Rate competitive,
          Robust governance,
          Relevant services,
          Excellent member experience,
          Recognized employer

Our Way

Put People First. Stay Safe. Innovate. Own It.

View our strategic plan.

Cobb EMC is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative. The company safely delivers reliable electricity to nearly 200,000 residential and commercial consumers in Cobb, Bartow, Cherokee, Fulton, and Paulding counties. Cobb EMC is consistently recognized for competitive rates, commitment to renewable energy and giving back to the communities it serves. Cobb EMC is one of the largest EMCs in the nation, and the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Gas South is a leading provider of natural gas in the Southeast.

Cobb Electric Membership Corporation operates in accordance with our corporate bylaws and service rules and regulations. All members agree to these when they accept service from Cobb EMC.

Gas South is one of the largest retail natural gas providers to over 450,000 residential, business, and government customers in 14 states spanning across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest. Gas South is an Atlanta-based subsidiary of Cobb EMC, providing simple natural gas plans and excellent customer service. Gas South upholds its purpose to Be A Fuel For Good by giving back 5% of their annual profits to help children in need, prioritizing basic needs, education, and health. The company has donated more than $16 million to charities since 2006, including $4.5 million in 2023, its largest year ever for corporate giving. To learn more about Gas South and its mission to Be A Fuel For Good, visit www.gassouth.com.

The Seven Cooperative Principles

Cooperatives around the world operate according to a core set of principles that make electric cooperatives different from other electric utilities.

  1. Open and 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 (one member, one vote); 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 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 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 as well as their unique identity.
     
  5. Education, Training, and Information
    Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications 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.

The 7 Cooperative Principles

The Electric Cooperative Story

The Benefits of Membership