Iowa’s electric co-ops advocate for member-owners during “REC Day on the Hill”
More than 200 rural electric cooperative (REC) employees and directors, representing more than 25 Iowa co-ops, traveled to the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday to advocate for important issues during their annual “REC Day on the Hill” event. The co-op representatives were briefed on state and federal legislative issues before meeting with their local elected officials during a dessert social on the first floor rotunda of the Capitol. “This annual visit to the Iowa Capitol is an excellent opportunity to personally visit with our elected officials and provide them with a co-op perspective on issues that are important to our business,” says Steve Seidl, board president of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.
The co-ops educated legislators about four issues important to Iowa’s electric cooperatives:
- Utility-owned solar
- A skilled workforce in the state
- Line personnel safety
- Rural economic development
Many electric cooperatives also presented booth displays which provided information on topics including community solar generation, rural broadband, load management, storm recovery, lineman equipment costs, and energy efficiency.
About IAEC
The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives represents the interests of not-for-profit electric cooperatives, including 35 distribution co-ops and 7 generation & transmission co-ops. Owned by the members they serve, Iowa’s electric cooperatives power the lives of 650,000 Iowans throughout all 99 counties and are committed to delivering power that is safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible. Rural electric cooperatives have been working to improve quality of life through energy education, community support, and rural economic development for over 75 years. Formed in 1942, IAEC provides many vital functions for its members including legislative representation, regulatory oversight, training and education services, safety programs,
and communications support. Learn more at www.iowarec.org.
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For More Information:
Erin Campbell
IAEC communications manager
515-727-8945 office
ecampbell@iowarec.org
