You probably remember reading or hearing about HomE. It was the award-winning energy ­efficiency program of the Illinois electric cooperatives that provided nearly 3,500 energy audits, along with $2.5 million in financial incentives for ­efficiency upgrades, for electric co-op ­members during 2010 and 2011. HomE provided incentive dollars for nearly 775 ­geothermal heat pump installations [...]

As we wrap up International Year of the Cooperative, what better organization to recognize than the NRECA International Program, a division of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). On Nov. 1 the program celebrated 50 years of helping developing countries provide rural residents with safe, reliable and affordable electric service. The program epitomizes the [...]

“Every day at least one person stops to look at my quilt square,” says Rodney Schwark of Kankakee County ­referring to the 8’x8’ board affixed to the side of his barn painted in a colorful red, white and blue pattern that forms a star. Positioned on the 1923 era farm building where it can be [...]

Holidays are traditionally marked by celebration, family and food. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the festivities while keeping a balanced and healthful diet. Party Snacks: ❈ Take control. Before a holiday event, eat a snack or light meal. You will be less likely to fill up on high-calorie foods at the event. [...]

Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives that provide savings, credit and other financial services to their members. They are democratically-controlled by their members and operated for the purpose of promoting thrift, providing credit at competitive rates, as well as other financial services to their members. Credit union membership is based on a common bond [...]

United Utility Supply Cooperative Corporation (UUS) is a name very familiar to those in the electric cooperative industry but one in which you may not be familiar. This cooperative affects you on a daily basis without you even knowing it. UUS supplies electric co-ops with everything from line equipment to hardware and materials for member [...]

Water is foremost on the minds of many in rural areas today, and thanks to several Illinois water cooperatives, there are many that don’t have to worry about the wells running dry. These member-owned utilities provide safe, reliable and sustainable water services to thousands. In 1946, the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) was given the responsibility [...]

Livestock farmers in the Midwest may be familiar with this month’s cooperative. United Producers, Inc. (UPI) was formed in 1999 through the consolidation in operations of Producers Livestock Association in Ohio/Indiana and MFA Livestock in Missouri. During the following two years, UPI also joined with Interstate Producers Livestock Association in Illinois and the Michigan Livestock [...]

Unit 1 of the Prairie State Generating Company’s (PSGC) 1600-megawatt power plant went live on June 6, coming under the control of PSGC, a significant milestone in the process of completing the largest coal-fueled power plant to be built in the United States since 1982. The power produced by PSGC will now be scheduled and [...]