Vigilante Electric Cooperative

Overview

Meet Vigilante Electric Cooperative

For more than eight decades, Vigilante Electric Cooperative (VEC) has been committed to providing reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost to its members. True to its cooperative principles, VEC prides itself on being owned and operated by the members it serves. To better reflect its modern, forward-thinking values and increase the use of online tools, VEC partnered with Powerful to redesign its website. The goal? To create a platform that is intuitive, easy to navigate, and a true representation of VEC’s dedication to its members.

Intuitive Design for Seamless Navigation

To meet VEC’s goal of intuitive design, Powerful implemented their Sellwood Task-Oriented blueprint. The homepage was strategically designed to prioritize functionality, with prominently placed call-to-action (CTA) buttons for top member tasks such as paying bills, starting or stopping service, and checking outages. These buttons, visible immediately upon landing on the site, were chosen with a deep understanding of VEC’s audience. By eliminating the need to scroll, the design offers members quick access to essential services.

This task-oriented approach enhances the visitor experience by subtly conveying that VEC values its members’ time and needs. The streamlined navigation ensures members can accomplish their goals effortlessly while maintaining a sense of connection with their cooperative. The impact is significant: members feel empowered to interact with the co-op online, reflecting VEC’s commitment to intuitive design and member satisfaction.

Putting “Owned By Those We Serve” Into Action

VEC’s slogan, “Owned By Those We Serve,” is prominently displayed on the homepage and forms the foundation of the website’s design. This guiding principle is brought to life through features like the visualized “New Membership” page, which provides an informative and engaging introduction for new members. The page offers a wealth of details, from billing and payment options to the benefits of cooperative membership, all presented in a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate layout.

By breaking down complex information into digestible sections with icons, charts, and bold headings, the page ensures new members feel welcomed and supported. This design approach exemplifies how VEC lives out its slogan, offering a digital experience that is as community-focused and member-centered as its operations.

The “New Membership” page highlights VEC’s dedication to providing clarity and accessibility for its members. What could have been overwhelming blocks of text is transformed into an engaging layout that walks visitors through every detail of co-op membership. For instance, the page includes a clear breakdown of capital credits, billing cycles, and co-op benefits, presented in an intuitive and visually appealing way.

With the help of visualization, members are better informed and more connected to their cooperative. By making complex information easy to understand, VEC creates a sense of belonging and transparency, aligning with its mission of serving and empowering its members.