Since September, 2004, Cooperative Light & Power has been 'rounding up' the electric bills of participating members to the next highest dollar. For example, if your bill is $52.73, our computer will round it up to $53. The additional 27 cents is be placed in a community trust to be distributed to community-based programs.

The average annual contribution from a customer is about $6, or less than 50 cents a month. This small change collected by individuals is adding up to significant dollars for local projects. For example, currently, approximately 75% of our members choose to participate in Operation Round Up. That means we can expect contributions to be over $24,000 each year. That money goes right into the community!

Operation Round Up funds are administered by a volunteer Community Trust board of directors, separate from the Cooperative Light & Power board. Eligible funding categories include community service, economic development, education, youth, environmental or disaster relief. Individuals are ineligible. The Community Trust board will meet to review applications and distribute funds.

To submit a grant application for Operation Round Up, download the Operation Round Up Grant Application. Complete the application, sign it and return it to the Cooperative Light & Power Offices.

Please continue to watch this space as we update information about this great new project. In the mean time, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact our General Manager, Steve Wattnem for more details at 800.580.5881 or 218.834.2226.