Severe winter weather couldn’t stop employees and directors from Iowa electric cooperatives as they discussed concerns and priorities with state legislators during our 2024 Welcome Back Legislative Reception in downtown Des Moines. The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives hosted the annual reception Jan. 9 in conjunction with the Iowa Biotechnology Association, the Iowa Communications Alliance, the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives and FUELIowa.

The event provided a valuable opportunity to meet with state legislators at the beginning of the 2024 Legislative Session to discuss issues that impact rural electric cooperatives and the communities we serve. 

For example, we’re concerned about the potential establishment of Integrate Resource Plans (IRPs) in Iowa Code. IRPs would essentially force the early retirement of carbon-based electric generation facilities, resulting in stranded costs and reliability concerns for the member-consumers we serve. Iowa’s locally owned and governed electric cooperatives continue to support an “all-of-the-above” power strategy.

In the coming months, the Iowa 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. The next advocacy event will be REC Day on the Hill March 12. Learn more about our advocacy efforts at www.iaruralpower.org.