About Iowa Electric Cooperative Living

Welcome to Iowa Electric Cooperative Living, the monthly magazine for member-consumers of Iowa's locally owned electric cooperatives. Published by the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, Iowa Electric Cooperative Living has its roots in a proud, award-winning tradition of communicating to rural Iowans about important issues involving electric cooperatives, rural economic development, electric safety and energy efficiency.

Each month, the 16-page print magazine is mailed to more than 55,000 households and businesses served by Iowa's electric co-ops. Click here to access digital issues of the magazine.

The very first statewide electric cooperative publication in Iowa was an eight-page, large-format newspaper called Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative News, which was sent to electric co-op members in January 1948. After going through two name changes, the tabloid newspaper became a magazine-sized newspaper called Iowa Rural Electric News in July 1960. In that issue, editor David E. Bryant wrote the following, in part, to describe the purpose of the publication: " ... to help keep you informed on matters pertaining to your electric co-op ... and to provide how-to-do-it information and ideas which will help you make the most effective and efficient use of the electric power which you're purchasing through your electric co-op."

Not surprisingly, we have those same goals today. The title of the magazine — Iowa Electric Cooperative Living — shows how electric cooperatives contribute to the local economic growth and betterment of their communities and how they work to provide safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity. The magazine also offers tips on reducing energy bills, making energy-smart purchases and planning energy-efficient remodeling projects. And, of course, every issue showcases recipes — contributed by electric co-op members across the state.

The phrase "Iowa Electric Cooperative Living" is a mark registered within the state of Iowa to the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.

 

About the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives

The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (IAEC) is a trade association established to support the interests of member-owned electric cooperatives, including 39 local distribution co-ops and nine generation and transmission co-ops. Formed in 1942, IAEC aims to unify and empower Iowa's electric cooperatives through legislative representation, regulatory oversight, training and education services, safety programs, communications support and advocacy.

Iowa's member-owned 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. Built by the communities we serve, Iowa’s electric co-ops have also invested heavily in local economic development for decades.

Iowa's farmers began forming rural electric cooperatives (RECs) during the 1930s, when large electric companies bypassed rural Iowa due to its sparse population. These pioneering men and women borrowed startup money from the Federal Rural Electrification Administration (REA), which was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on May 11, 1935.

Today, electric cooperatives offer more than reliable electric service; they also work to improve quality of life by powering lives and empowering communities. 

 

About Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

Touchstone Energy is a national network of electric cooperatives that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help its member cooperatives and their employees better engage and serve their members. By providing the resources of the largest national network to local electric co-ops, Touchstone Energy cooperatives utilize the cooperative difference to supply reliable, low-cost power to electric co-op member-owners across the country. After all, the strongest communities share more than just affordable electricity; they share the same values.

Touchstone Energy cooperatives are your source for power and information. Whether it’s the power you depend on every day for your home or business, or the information you need to make decisions about how you power your life, Touchstone Energy cooperatives across the country are here to support you.