Iowa’s electric co-ops advocate to protect defined service territory during 2025 REC Day on the Hill

Severe blizzard conditions in western and northern Iowa couldn’t hold back employees and elected directors from Iowa’s locally owned rural electric cooperatives (RECs) as they convened at the Iowa Capitol to advocate for important issues during the annual “REC Day on the Hill” event on March 19.

“Our annual advocacy day at the state house is a powerful opportunity to meet face-to-face with our state legislators and share a local perspective on issues that impact the members and communities we serve,” remarked Leslie Kaufman, executive vice president and general manager for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.

This year, more than 120 advocates asked elected officials to protect defined electric service territory laws in Iowa that support affordable rates, foster a resilient grid and encourage rural economic development. In place for almost 50 years, these service territories provide a high degree of certainty which enable electric co-ops to make long-term investments to best serve our members. Learn more about this issue at www.ProtectRuralIowa.com.

Additionally, electric co-op representatives talked with their legislators about the benefits of allowing Iowa’s incumbent electric providers the right of first refusal (ROFR) in constructing and maintaining electric transmission projects, as included in the governor’s energy bill (HF 834/SF 585).

The group also discussed concerns with a community solar bill (HF 404) that would undercut defined electric service territory and allow nonutilities to provide retail electric service within rate-regulated utility territory.

During the event, co-op advocates educated legislators on the benefits of the not-for-profit cooperative business model including local ownership, democratic governance and cost-based rates. Several electric cooperatives displayed booths in the rotunda which provided information on topics including economic development, investments in technology, electric safety, reliable power generation and student programs.

Learn more about the legislative priorities of Iowa’s electric cooperatives and Iowa Rural Power grassroots advocacy at www.iaruralpower.org.

For More Information:

Erin Campbell
Director of Communications
ecampbell@iowarec.org