Illinois pioneers of rural electrification

delbert-mundtDelbert Mundt

Delbert Mundt of rural Dieterich is known for his unique leadership qualities and his contributions to rural electrification and rural water development in eastern Illinois. Mundt was elected to the board of directors for Norris Electric in 1983 and served as its chairman for 10 years.

He represented Norris Electric Cooperative on the AIEC board of directors and served as ­chairman for two years. His tenure was marked by his leadership to help electric ­cooperatives across the state maintain their historic ­position of local control. That electric deregulation legislation was signed by Gov. Jim Edgar and provided for the long-standing right of electric ­cooperative ­members to determine the direction of their local cooperatives.

Mundt may be best known for founding and serving as the first ­president of EJ Water Corporation, which provided residents of Effingham, Jasper and Cumberland counties with safe, essential water for residential, agriculture, industrial and commercial development in the area.

In celebration of the AIEC’s 75th anniversary, this is tenth in a series of profiles on Illinois’ rural electric pioneers.