Public power districts are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of consumers, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Public power districts are democratic organizations controlled by their customers, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the consumers. In primary public power districts, customers have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and public power districts at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
Consumers contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their public power district. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the public power district. Customers usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of patronage. Consumers allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the public power district, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting consumers in proportion to their transactions with the district; and supporting other activities approved by the consumers.
Public power districts 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 by their customers and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
Public power districts provide education and training for their customers, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their public power districts. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Public power districts serve their customers most effectively and strengthen the public power district movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
While focusing on customer needs, public power districts work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their consumers.