About IAEC
About Us
The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives is the Des Moines-based service organization representing the state's rural electric cooperatives (RECs). The cooperatives distinguish themselves through the cooperative principles. These principles serve as the guiding business philosophies for cooperatives across the country.
Iowa's farmers began forming RECs in the 1930s when large electric companies bypassed rural Iowa due to the sparse population. These pioneering men and women borrowed start-up money from the Federal Rural Electrification Administration, which was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on May 11, 1935.
RECs offer more than reliable electric service. They also work to improve rural living. The cooperative supported Iowa Area Development Group helps bring new industry and new jobs to rural Iowa. Many RECs offer state-of-the-art satellite television equipment and programs to rural homes outside the reach of cable TV companies. Others lease emergency pagers, ideal for elderly people. Still others are involved in unique programs to improve rural housing or help home buyers with low-interest loans.
Iowa's RECs are part of a national network of 1,000 electric cooperatives. These utilities, which serve 25 million Americans in 46 states, work together through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). NRECA is a Washington, D.C.-based service organization formed in 1942.
Mission
Iowa's electric cooperatives are committed to delivering power that is safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and affordable.
What IAEC Does
Formed by the rural electric cooperatives in 1942, IAEC performs many vital functions for its members, including:
- legislative representation at the state and national levels
- safety programs, demonstrations and campaigns
- programs encouraging the wider and wiser use of electricity and efficient electric appliances and equipment
- education and training programs
- communication resources and services
- youth activities
- a statewide disaster plan to help restore power quickly and safely during emergencies
- review of utility regulations, and
- the award-winning Living with Energy in Iowa, a monthly magazine specifically for rural Iowans
IAEC represents 37 distribution cooperatives in Iowa and six generation and transmission cooperative serving more than 210,000 rural homes, farms and industries in all 99 counties.