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Where America’s Electric Cooperative Changemakers Come Together
American energy innovation never stops.
Today, advanced technologies are bringing generational opportunity for economic investment, local self-sufficiency, and a cleaner future for America’s land, air, and water.
Rural Electric Cooperative leaders are at the frontlines of this revitalizing era, helping local communities make sense of their options and chart their own paths.
Now, our team of co-op leaders is excited to announce the Co-op Innovation Network - a space for visionary co-op changemakers to connect, share, and create together.
CIN Ideas for Innovation
Co-op changemakers across the country are looking for ways to connect with, and learn from, front line thought leaders on co-op policies.
In 2025, our network is launching a regular series of webinars that bring practitioners and local leaders together to hear from one another on a diverse list of policy topics and case studies.
Grow With Your Peers
Electric co-op leadership is an exciting challenge, requiring a unique mix of energy systems literacy, a pulse on industry trends, and community organizing and local leadership skills.
In 2025, our network is offering co-op changemakers a chance to join a peer study cohort with others across the country - the Co-op Leadership Cohort.
Our 2025 cohort offers a practical gold star curriculum lead by current co-op board members, with action-ready policy ideas and a chance to build your own local leadership skills.
The Changemaker’s Playbook
Local co-op leaders want practical resources. CIN is developing an action-ready Co-op Policy Playbook - a deep guide to designing and implementing a better future for your co-op members.
MEET OUR
DIRECTOR
TED COMPTON
Colorado
Ted Compton grew up on a cattle ranch in Southwest Colorado. After graduating high school, Ted won admission to Stanford University and graduated with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Product Design.
Ted decided to return home to his small hometown of Durango to give back. There, he built a three decade career as a mechanical and infrastructure engineer, contributing to large projects in water and oil and gas management. He served on public boards including local broadband development and open space and agriculture conservation, and was appointed to service with Colorado’s Advanced Industry Grants Program.
In 2023, Ted became President of the Board of his home electric cooperative and is now helping local co-op members save millions by diversifying their energy supply, building renewable energy and storage options, and bringing energy efficiency solutions to working families.
Ted enjoys skiing and whitewater rafting with his wife and daughter. His family ranch is now home to a new herd of bison.
