SHiNE.coop Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 17, 2026

Summary

Touchstone Energy Cooperative, Inc. (“Touchstone”), operates the website located at SHiNE.coop and related subpages (the "Site").

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit, use, or interact with the Site.

We do not sell personal information, and we do not use personal information for targeted advertising.

Scope

This Policy covers information processed through: (i) our website and subpages, (ii) online forms, (iii) website analytics (Google Analytics 4), (iv) cookies and similar technologies, and (v) the live AI chatbot (limited to SHiNE.coop content).

This Policy does not cover offline data collection or information collected by third parties on their own sites or services (for example, when you follow a link away from Touchstone’s Site).

Definitions

"Personal information" means information that identifies, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked to an individual or household. It does not include information that has been de-identified or aggregated so it can no longer reasonably identify you.

"Service providers" are vendors that process information for us to help operate the Site and provide services (for example, support ticketing, project management, analytics, hosting, and IT support).

Information We Collect

Information you provide through forms. We may collect information such as name, phone number, email address, mailing address, and website address, as well as project details or design-related materials you share when requesting support or starting a project.

Forms used may include: Contact Form (creates a Zoho Desk support ticket), Getting Started Form (collects project and contact information), and Starter Kit Form (used during project kickoff and entered into Monday.com).

Information collected automatically. When you visit the Site, Touchstone (and its analytics and cookie providers) may automatically collect certain information about your device and how you use the Site, such as pages viewed, navigation paths, time spent, referring/exit pages, approximate location derived from IP address, and other engagement and performance metrics.

Important: Please do not submit sensitive personal information (such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, precise financial account numbers, health information, or passwords) through Site forms or the chatbot.

How We Use Information

We use information to:

  • Provide support and respond to inquiries (for example, through Zoho Desk).
  • Manage project initiation and development workflows (for example, through Monday.com).
  • Maintain and improve Site performance and user experience (for example, using Google Analytics 4).
  • Maintain Site functionality and remember preferences (for example, through cookies).

Touchstone may also use information to comply with law, enforce terms, and protect the rights, safety, and security of the Site, users, and others.

How We Share and Disclose Information

Touchstone shares personal information only as needed to operate the Site and provide services. For example, we may disclose information to:

  • Zoho Desk (support ticketing).
  • Monday.com (project management).
  • Google Analytics 4 (site analytics).
  • Other IT, hosting, security, and operational vendors that help us run the Site (as applicable).

Touchstone may also disclose information:

  • To comply with applicable law, regulation, legal process, or a lawful request from authorities.
  • To protect and defend Touchstone’s rights, property, and safety, and the rights, property, and safety of others.
  • In connection with reorganization, merger, dissolution, or similar change in organizational structure, consistent with applicable law.

Touchstone does not sell personal information, and we do not share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.

Cookies and Analytics

Cookies are small text files stored on your device. Touchstone uses cookies and similar technologies for three general purposes: (1) necessary cookies to operate the Site, (2) performance cookies to understand how the Site is used, and (3) functional cookies to remember preferences.

A full cookie list is available in our Cookie Notice page.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. If you disable cookies, some features of the Site may not work properly.

Touchstone uses Google Analytics 4 to understand how visitors use the Site and to improve performance. Google may set cookies or use similar technologies. You can learn about Google Analytics controls through Google's tools and settings.

View Cookie Notice & Usage

AI Chatbot

The Site may offer a live AI chatbot designed to answer questions using SHiNE.coop content (including pages and applicable manuals).

The chatbot is intended to provide general information about SHiNE programs and resources. It is not a substitute for professional advice.

Do not include sensitive personal information in chatbot messages. Touchstone may log and review chatbot interactions to maintain the chatbot, prevent abuse, address issues, and improve user experience. Touchstone do not sell chatbot interaction data or use it for targeted advertising.

Your Choices

  • Access, correction, and deletion requests. You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of the personal information Touchstone maintains about you by contacting us as described below. Touchstone will review and respond in a reasonable timeframe and may need to verify your identity before completing a request.
    Communications. If you contact, we may send you messages (for example, about your request or support ticket). You may opt out of non-essential communications by following the unsubscribe instructions (if provided) or contacting us.
     
  • Data Retention
    Touchstone retains personal information only as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, including providing support, managing projects, and maintaining and improving the Site.
    Touchstone may retain information for longer periods when required by law, for compliance, dispute resolution, or to enforce agreements. Backups may retain information for a limited period after deletion.
     
  • Information Security
    Touchstone maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so Touchstone cannot guarantee security.
     
  • Third-Party Links
    The Site may contain links to third-party websites or services. Touchstone is not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties. Touchstone encourages you to review their privacy policies.
     
  • Children's Privacy
    The Site is not directed to children, and Touchstone does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, please contact us so Touchstone can take appropriate steps.
     
  • International Visitors
    The Site is operated in the United States and is intended for U.S. audiences. If you access the Site from outside the United States, you understand that information may be processed and stored in the United States.
     
  • Changes to This Policy
    Touchstone may update this Policy from time to time in its sole and absolute discretion. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this Policy indicates when it was last revised. Changes become effective when we post the updated Policy on the Site.

Contact Us

For privacy questions or requests:

Email:
privacyofficer@nreca.coop

Mailing address: 
NRECA, Attn: Privacy Officer OGC-09.054         
4301 Wilson Boulevard,                                  
Arlington, VA 22203-186