New Rural Electric Cooperative Scorecards empower member-owners across Illinois
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Across Illinois, rural electric cooperatives have a lot of work to ensure they don’t fall behind in the transition to a clean, affordable energy future, but they are well situated to make changes, according to a new report launched by Prairie Rivers Network and Citizens Utility Board – Illinois.
On Wednesday, the Rural Electric Cooperative Scorecard Initiative officially launched its first statewide assessment of the 25 rural electric cooperatives across Illinois. Established in the 1930s, rural electric cooperatives have long been the backbone of rural communities, bringing electricity to homes and farms that were once left in the dark.
Yet, as the energy landscape rapidly changes, many co-ops are at a crossroads. Falling prices for renewable energy, coupled with unprecedented funding opportunities from the federal Inflation Reduction Act and the state Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, present a critical opportunity for co-ops to modernize their energy supply.
“Today marks a significant milestone in advancing energy democracy across rural Illinois,” said Anthony Henson, Rural Energy Organizer, Prairie Rivers Network. “The Rural Electric Cooperative Scorecard is more than just a report card – it’s a call to action for member-owners.”
The Rural Electric Cooperative Scorecard Initiative has conducted an in-depth evaluation of every co-op in Illinois, assessing a wide range of practices including the transition to renewable energy, member-owner programs, transparency, and governance. The results, now available here, reveal key insights into how co-ops are performing and where there is room for improvement.
Key Findings from the Scorecard:
- Energy Efficiency Programs: 60% of co-ops offer energy efficiency rebates, providing member-owners with opportunities to reduce energy consumption and save on utility bills.
- Transparency in Fuel Mix: Only 12% of co-ops self-report their fuel mix on their websites, highlighting the need for greater transparency in how electricity is generated.
- Fossil Fuel Dependence: Co-ops’ reliance on fossil fuels ranges from 53% to 89%, underscoring the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Opaque market purchases likely make the dependence on fossil fuels higher than the direct report.
- Democratic Participation: Less than half of co-ops share information on how to vote in board elections and run for the co-op board, the most basic steps in promoting greater member-owner engagement in governance.
“As a nonprofit electric cooperative, our priority every single day is to safely provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable electric service,” said Shane Hermetz, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Egyptian Electric. “Open, honest, and transparent communications is essential and with the scorecard system developed by Prairie Rivers Network and their partners, everyone can compare all Illinois electric cooperatives in an easy-to-understand methodology.”
In southern Illinois, Egyptian Electric Cooperative, which serves 15,000 meters across ten counties, scored a 9.5 of 16. Their scores in accessibility and governance transparency were near perfect, receiving marks in seven out of eight categories. This includes how-to-run and how-to-vote for the board, along with publishing important documents such meeting minutes and agendas, the ability to directly contact the board, and their 990s and by-laws.
Already, the scorecard findings have led some co-ops – including Egyptian Electric – to update their websites to better inform and engage member-owners.
“The Scorecard methodology will allow electric cooperatives in Illinois to reflect on topics relevant to their members and continue to be a positive change in their communities,” Hermetz said. “On behalf of Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association and all of its members in Southern Illinois, we say thank you to Prairie Rivers Network and all of its partners as we continue to work together to meet the needs of rural America.”
However, much work remains to be done to ensure that all rural communities benefit from the clean energy transition.
By providing the tools and information needed to make informed decisions, the scorecard aims to increase energy democracy throughout Illinois. Member-owners can now explore their co-op’s performance, learn about renewable energy opportunities, and take steps to influence the direction of their co-op.
“This is a historic opportunity for rural co-ops to lead the way in the clean energy transition,” said Scott Allen, Renewable Energy Policy Coordinator at the Citizens Utility Board (CUB). “With recent federal and state incentives, co-ops have the chance to deliver reliable, low-cost clean energy to their communities. We urge all member-owners to get involved and make their voices heard.”
Right now, these bills represent the largest investment in rural electrification since 1936 and an unprecedented opportunity to hasten the clean energy transition for rural electric cooperatives (rural co-ops).
The launch of the Rural Electric Cooperative Scorecard Initiative comes at a pivotal moment as Illinois’ rural co-ops face decisions that will shape the energy future for generations to come. The passage of the IRA and CEJA have transformed the energy landscape, offering co-ops access to clean energy tax credits and a suite of programs designed to accelerate the shift to renewable energy.
Call to Action:
Member-owners and the public are encouraged to visit the Scorecard Initiative’s website at www.greenneighborchallenge.org/CoopScoreCards to explore the results and learn how they can get involved. By harnessing the power of their collective voice, rural communities can ensure that their co-ops embrace a future powered by clean, affordable renewable energy.
If you’re a member-owner and you’re interested in learning more, let us know by filling out this form, and we will get in touch with you!
About the Rural Electric Cooperative Scorecard Initiative:
The Rural Electric Cooperative Scorecard Initiative is a collaborative effort of Prairie Rivers Network, Dakota Resource Council, North Dakota Native Vote, Citizens Utility Board – Illinois, and Green Neighbor Challenge. The initiative is dedicated to promoting energy democracy and empowering rural communities to participate in the clean energy transition.
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Takeaways for some key co-ops
Corn Belt Energy In central Illinois, Cornbelt Energy, which serves 36,000 meters across parts of 18 counties, scored a 6.5 of 16. Corn Belt performed strongly in the member program category, receiving 4.5 marks out of 8. Corn Belt is one out of four cooperatives to offer a net-metering program. They are also one of three cooperatives in Illinois to offer a community solar program.
Eastern Illini Electric In central Illinois, Eastern Illini Electric, which serves 13,500 meters across parts of 10 counties, scored 8.5 of 16. Eastern Illini performed strongly in the governance transparency and accessibility category, receiving 5 marks out of 8. Eastern Illini offers robust rebates and are one of eight cooperatives to offer a green pricing program.
EnerStar Electric In east-central Illinois, EnerStar Electric, which serves 5,700 meters across parts of five counties, scored 8.5 of 16. EnerStar performed strongly in the governance transparency and accessibility category, receiving 5 marks out of 8. EnerStar is one of three cooperatives to offer a community solar program. EnerStar also provides a “how-to” on running and voting for their board, which less than half of Illinois cooperatives publish.
Rural Electric Convenience In central Illinois, Rural Electric Convenience, which serves 5,300 meters across parts of five counties, scored 2.5 of 16. Rural Electric Convenience offers robust rebates and is one of nine cooperatives to publish their meeting minutes.
SouthEastern Illinois In southern Illinois, SouthEastern Illinois Electric, which serves 23,000 meters across parts of 10 counties, scored 2 of 16. SouthEastern struggled in the governance transparency and accessibility category, along with member programs. SouthEastern does provide member-owners with a utility bill explainer.
Southwestern Electric In southern Illinois, Southwestern Electric, which serves 24,000 meters across parts of ten counties, scored 6 of 16. Southwestern performed equally in the governance accessibility category and member programs, receiving 3 marks out of 8 in each. Southwestern is one of five cooperatives to offer both efficiency rebates and an energy efficiency program. Southwestern also provides good accessibility details, publishing meeting minutes, organizational 990s, and their by-laws.
