### Question
Can you define what joint operating entity means?


### Answer
**Joint operating entity** is defined as the following in *16 U.S.C. § 839c*:

> an entity that is lawfully organized under State law as a public body or cooperative prior to September 22, 2000, and is formed by and whose members or participants are two or more public bodies or cooperatives, each of which was a customer of the Bonneville Power Administration on or before January 1, 1999

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 839c*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 12H-PACIFIC NORTHWEST ELECTRIC POWER PLANNING AND CONSERVATION**

