For the second year in a row the electric co-ops of Illinois have won the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s (MEEA’s) “Inspiring Efficiency Marketing Award” while competing against similar programs from the region’s largest investor-owned utilities. Last year, Prairie Power Inc. and its electric distribution co-ops won for a 16-foot “Energy Efficiency Wall” that illustrates various [...]

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in January announced that loans and grants will be provided to applicants in 10 states to support businesses, improve the quality of medical care, and create or save hundreds of jobs. Funding is provided through USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. “During his State of the Union address last [...]

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is implementing a new program to increase public access on private land for outdoor recreational activities. Through a three-year grant from the USDA-FSA, the IDNR will lease land from private landowners to provide acres for youth turkey hunting, fishing and boating, as well as birding, outdoor photography, and [...]

Illinois residents have the opportunity to participate in a survey that will help shape the state’s future broadband plan. The statewide survey is being conducted by Broadband Illinois, and will reach out to households, colleges, hospitals and community organizations throughout Illinois. “By participating in this survey, rural residents can make their voices heard about the [...]

In 1917, the United States entered World War I. After declaring war, President Woodrow Wilson ordered the American Red Cross to raise funds to support its aid to the military and civilians affected by war, as Congress had mandated. In response, the Red Cross held its first national War Fund drive in June 1917 and [...]

It now will cost a penny more to mail letters in the U.S. The new 45-cent price for Forever stamps is one of the changes filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) back in October. Effective Jan. 22, 2012, prices are as follows: • Letters (1 oz.): 1-cent increase to 45 cents • Letters additional [...]

Nest Labs has announced that it has created the Nest Learning ThermostatTM. Nest learns from your behaviors, preferences and surroundings to create a custom heating and cooling schedule, keeping you comfortable when you’re home and conserving energy when you’re away. “It was unacceptable to me that the device that controls 10 percent of all energy [...]

DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the 2012 Fuel Economy Guide in November. While fuel-efficient vehicles come in a variety of fuel types, classes, and sizes, many new advanced technology vehicles debut on this year’s annual list of top fuel economy performers. The 2012 all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV topped this list, after a [...]

When it comes to energy efficiency, electric co-ops should “keep doing what you’re doing, and do more of it,” according to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Jon Wellinghoff. The FERC chief called for continued efforts to assist consumers in accessing information about energy efficiency, as well as low-cost financing to incorporate such efficiency into homes [...]

Ever wonder how designers make the rooms you see in magazines or on decorating shows look so good? It doesn’t always depend on paint colors or fabric choices. From fresh and airy, to intimate and cozy – and everything in between – lighting sets the tone of a room and should be an integral part [...]