Iowa's member-owned electric cooperatives take pride in representing the interests of the rural families and businesses they provide electricity to. That's why electric cooperative member-consumers are banding together and leading the way in discussing what needs to be done to ensure they will have the power they need to support future economic growth in their communities.
You can help your electric cooperative in this effort by continuing the discussion with friends, family and elected officials.
Check out the rest of the site and sign up to receive notifications from your cooperative on what you can do.
Advocating for safe, affordable, reliable electricity delivered in an environmentally responsible manner
On-the-ground knowledge
Because rural electric cooperatives are governed by those they serve, they are most aware of the energy and economic development needs within their local communities. This on-the-ground knowledge has enabled electric cooperatives to aid in local economic growth for more than 70 years.
Iowa's electric cooperatives know that affordable electricity is a fundamental aspect of any economic environment that fosters future growth and stability. This is why employees and member-consumers of electric cooperatives are making sure to share their perspectives with policy makers and potential Presidential candidates.
With Iowa's population shifting to urban and suburban areas, it is more important than ever that the voices of rural Iowa remain strong and vigilant. Policymakers must understand how proposed energy policies will uniquely affect the future economic wellbeing of Iowa's rural economies.
Will we have the electricity we need in the future?
The problem: How will we supply the power we need to grow the economy while at the same time curbing emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, blamed for contributing to climate change?
Will we have the technology to supply adequate electricity in a carbon-constrained world?
The problem: How does the country prioritize the limited funds for research and development and set a realistic time-frame for curbing carbon emissions without risking the supply of affordable, reliable electricity?
Will reliable electricity become an unaffordable luxury for low-income Americans?
The problem: How do we meet national climate change goals without making electricity unaffordable?
Rural Power Video
This is not an endorsement of any candidate or political party.
How will America meet its future electricity needs?
Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives - Presidential Caucus Project Voter Guide
Questionnaires were sent to all Democratic and Republican candidates campaigning in Iowa. All responses received are posted.
Senator Rick Santorum: "I've learned a lot in the process of interacting with your members about issues you are concerned about."
Governor Rick Perry: "In Iowa and across rural America electric cooperatives are the lifeblood of our economy."
Written responses only:
Santorum Response PDF.pdf
Perry Responses pdf.pdf
Representative Ron Paul: "I propose advancing America's baseload electricity generation capacity by repealing federal laws inhibiting the development of new sources of electricity."
Governor Buddy Roemer: "I grew up on a farm miles from town and if it weren't for the rural electric program we might still not have lights."
Speaker Newt Gringrich : "Coal is a significant part of America's energy future."
Paul Responses pdf.pdf
No written response
Sign up for Rural Power updates from your electric cooperative.
