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2020 Funding Recipient – Sylvan Lake Minor Hockey, funding new mini nets which support the town and surrounding rural community.

Operation Round Up in EQUS Communities:

In being dedicated to the communities we serve, EQUS provides funds through Operation Round Up to organizations and initiatives that support and benefit seniors, youth or children in the rural communities that EQUS serves. We are always looking for great projects to support in our communities!

Members Helping Members:

EQUS is also committed to helping our members. As part of EQUS’ “Members Helping Members” initiative, a portion of the funds collected through Operation Round Up are used to support members who may find themselves facing economic hardship or in financial distress.

How Operation Round Up Began:

In 1989, Palmetto Electric Cooperative in Hardeeville, South Carolina created and registered the Operation Round Up® concept. Palmetto has distributed over $3.8 million in the last 19 years with a steady 82% participation rate. Since 1989, more than 225 U.S. electric co-operatives initiated similar programs. Recipients of funding are rural focused charities, organizations and projects that can clearly demonstrate the need for that rural support. EQUS is the first co-operative in Canada to obtain permission to use the trademarked name and implement an Operation Round Up program.

Operation Round Up at EQUS

EQUS is proud to be able to say that 97% of our members participate in Operation Round Up. EQUS members’ distribution tariffs are simply ‘rounded up’ to the next highest dollar and the average annual contribution by an EQUS member to the Operation Round Up program is about $6. While it is technically ‘small change’, it can and does build a funding program that can give back to the communities we all call home. As of January 2019, Operation Round Up has disbursed a total of over $200,000 since it began in 2016. Money that will stay in EQUS communities and help to serve our rural members.

Frequently Asked Questions

For members:

 Operation Round Up funds helped Journeys Therapeutic Riding Society deliver their programming.

 
Operation Round Up funds helped Sundre Family and Community Services bring art to seniors.

How do I participate?
If you are an EQUS member, no action is required on your part. Effective April 2016, EQUS members (current and new) are automatically enrolled in Operation Round Up. Operation Round Up contributions will be listed as a separate line item on your EQUS electric bills. For example, if your distribution tariff (your distribution rate plus your transmission rate) is $90.55, your bill will be rounded up to $91. The monthly member contribution averages around $6 per year.

Why did EQUS decide to do this?
Based on the numerous success stories in the U.S. and recognizing that rural Alberta residents and organizations have unique needs; EQUS determined Operation Round Up would be an efficient way to engage members and the organization to provide support for rural initiatives. If all EQUS members participate in Operation Round Up, we have the potential to contribute over $65,000 annually to rural initiatives that help children, youth and seniors.

What happens to the money that is collected?
The collected funds are put into an independent account and disbursed through a grant process. A committee meets quarterly to review and approve applications. All administration for Operation Round Up is performed by designated EQUS employees and only out-of-pocket expenses by committee members are covered by the fund (e.g., travel cost to a meeting or to review a project’s progress). All successful recipients will be required to complete a report at the end of their project to confirm objectives were achieved. Annually, a report on Operation Round Up will be provided to EQUS members.

Who is on the committee?
The committee is comprised of five individuals: the EQUS CEO, one Director and three EQUS members in good standing who have some demonstrated experience in working with charitable organizations.

What if I don’t want to participate?
If you decide that you wish to be excluded from participation in Operation Round Up, simply contact our Main Office (mail, email or toll-free 1.888.211.4011) and let us know. Within five days of receipt of your request to be excluded, your participation will be cancelled.

What if I decide to re-join?
If you feel you opted out of Operation Round Up too soon, simply contact our Main Office (mail, email or toll-free 1.888.211.4011) and we will confirm you participation.