Electric cooperatives advocate for affordable and reliable power as Iowa’s 2025 Legislative Session begins
Nearly 170 senior staff and directors from Iowa electric cooperatives, including Southwest Iowa REC, traveled to downtown Des Moines on January 14 to attend our annual reception at the start of the 91st General Assembly of the Iowa Legislature. At the event, co-op advocates were able to discuss concerns and priorities face-to-face with their state legislators. The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives hosted the reception in conjunction with the Iowa Biotechnology Association, the Iowa Communications Alliance, the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, and FUELIowa.
Representatives from Iowa’s locally owned electric cooperatives covered several important issues that could impact the affordability and reliability of electricity for the members and communities we serve.
Our top legislative priority this session is protecting the state’s defined electric service territories. In Iowa, your location determines which electric utility will serve your home, farm or business. For almost 50 years, these defined electric service areas have provided certainty to electric cooperatives as we work to maintain affordable rates, foster a resilient electric grid and invest in economic development throughout rural Iowa. We strongly oppose any efforts to change or amend the service territory law and you can learn more about this issue at www.ProtectRuralIowa.com.
In the coming months, Iowa’s 91st General Assembly will be addressing a multitude of issues, including energy-related matters that are central to Iowa’s rural economy. Beginning with the Welcome Back Legislative Reception, Iowa electric cooperatives will again be important advocates for a balanced approach in addressing energy issues as we work to power lives and empower communities. We’ll have another opportunity to advocate for our members and communities at our annual Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) Day on the Hill event on March 19. Learn more about our advocacy efforts at www.IAruralpower.org.
Pictured left to right: Tim Pfeiffer, SWIAREC Director of Member Services; Phil Kinser, SWIAREC CEO/General Manager; Devon Woods, Iowa State Representative; Tom Shipley, Iowa State Representative; Marylin Werner, SWIAREC Board President; Terry Barney, SWIAREC Board Member.