Find out how your co-op compares and use your voice to inspire positive change!
Rural electric cooperatives (co-ops) power the lives of hundreds of thousands of rural Illinoisans. As renewable energy becomes cheaper than ever, co-ops now have access to unprecedented funding to modernize their power sources. And the member-owners of co-ops have a chance to use their voice in the process!
If you want to shape your community’s energy future, you have a powerful new tool at your fingertips: the Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative Scorecard. The Scorecard initiative researched and scored every co-op in Illinois on a wide range of practices including, transition to renewable energy, member-owner programs, transparency, and governance.
Find out how your Rural Electric Cooperative Ranks today!
Photo courtesy of the Mclean County Museum of History, Bloomington, IL
Rural Electric Cooperative History and Opportunity
Rural electric cooperatives (co-ops) were established in the late 1930s under the New Deal to bring electricity to rural areas. Today, they remain vital to these communities. With the clean energy transition and new state and federal funding for clean energy and grid modernization, co-ops face their greatest opportunity since their inception. You may not realize it, but as a member, you have the power to influence how your co-op operates. As a co-op member-owner, now is a crucial time to get involved.
Rural Electric Cooperative Scorecard
The Rural Electric Cooperative Scorecard initiative researched and scored every co-op in Illinois on a wide range of practices related to program offerings and accessibility. Program offerings include things like energy efficiency rebates and solar energy offerings. Accessibility practices relate to how well co-ops are embodying their democratic principles, and include measures like sharing information on electric bill transparency and websites about voting in board elections. More information on the methods and the standards by which co-ops were ranked can be found on the Scorecard Methodology Page. This simple, yet effective tool evaluates how well your co-op delivers on its promises.
Key Scorecard Takeaways
- 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 or run for the co-op board, the most basic steps in promoting greater member-owner engagement in governance.
- Clean Energy Transition Opportunities: Less than half of co-ops share information with their members about how they can access solar, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle tax credits and rebates.
- Energy Efficiency Programs: 60% of co-ops offer energy efficiency rebates, providing opportunities to reduce energy consumption and save on utility bills.
- Co-ops are motivated to do better: Co-ops have already used the scorecard findings to guide updates to their website that will help member-owners better engage with their co-ops.
Your Voice Matters
This scorecard provides a clear picture of each co-op’s strengths and identifies areas for growth. So it’s more than just a report card– it’s a roadmap for action. Member-owners, the public, leaders, and policymakers are encouraged to visit the Scorecard 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, renewable energy.
If you are served by a Rural Electric Cooperative and you’re interested in learning more, let us know by filling out this form or reach out to Anthony Henson, PRN’s Rural Energy Organizer, at ahenson@prairierivers.org.
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 – IL, and Green Neighbor Challenge (Wisconsin). The initiative is dedicated to promoting energy democracy and empowering rural communities to participate in the clean energy transition.
