Coal-fired electricity generation in the United States is expected to increase by 9 percent in 2013, while natural gas generation could decrease by about 10 percent, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest Short-Term Energy Outlook. The trend is the result of a predicted increase in natural gas prices relative to coal. Coal has [...]

At Spoon River Electric Cooperative’s September board ­meeting, State Representative Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) received the Illinois Electric Cooperatives’ Public Service Award. The award was made in recognition of Rep. Unes’ dedicated public service and for out­standing contributions to the rural elec­trification program. “It has been an honor to work with Spoon River Electric Cooperative, [...]

In September Governor Pat Quinn signed a new executive order to further increase transparency and accountability in government by establishing a new state Open Operating Standard. The order encourages state agencies and local governments across Illinois to increase the amount of raw data they share with each other, ­businesses, academic ­institutions and the general public. [...]

Dairyland Power Cooperative is purchasing the excess energy output from a new 368 kW solar photo­voltaic installation at the City of Galena, Ill. Wastewater Treatment Plant. The facility is interconnected with Jo-Carroll Energy, a Dairyland member cooperative. The solar units’ production at the wastewater treatment plant is expected to produce sufficient power to satisfy the [...]

This year’s state fair featured a brand new area with renewable energy displays, activities, engaging safety and energy efficiency programs, guest speakers and giveaways – along with returning features like the arcs and sparks of live power line demos and other traditional favorites. It was all about “safe, smart, clean, and green” energy in the [...]

In 2012, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced energy-­conservation standards for all water heaters – gas or electric, storage or instantaneous – and set specific ­efficiency levels based on fuel type and size. For tank-type electric water ­heaters, 55 gallons or smaller, the new standard set the minimum energy factor at .96 (or 96% energy-efficiency). [...]

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), in cooperation with Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative (RECC), installed two elevated platforms intended to attract nesting ospreys at Sangchris Lake State Park southeast of Rochester. Ospreys – a bird of prey listed as an endangered ­species in Illinois – nest in large trees, on rock ­formations, or on [...]

Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL 19) held his Ag Advisory Board ­meeting at the offices of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives in August. He voiced concern about passage of the Farm Bill, drought relief for area farmers and regulations on local community bankers. Shimkus said, “When the pictures of a national drought are from your [...]

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism (DCEO/IOT) announced that the 2012 Illinois Travel Guide is now ­available to consumers. The all-new guide combines a newsstand magazine look and feel with the practical information visitors expect from a travel guide. “We are pleased to offer consumers a brand-new travel guide,” said [...]

Many years ago, Mark Twain said, “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Mark Twain was right – to a certain extent. There is nothing we can do to change the weather. However, there is something all of us can do to make life a little easier for ourselves when the [...]