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First Thoughts

Archival photo of a number of men in suits sitting on chairs while one stands at a microphone, all on a flatbed trailer. Above them is a sign reading "working together did it. All the power you want at lowest cost! At last a dream come true."
  • First Thoughts
  • April 2025

Tough choices, lasting legacies

Clay Electric Co-operative was one of eight co-ops across the state to complete RESAP in 2024. Co-ops undergo a RESAP evaluation every three years. Journeyman Lineman Eric Moyer and Operations Manager James Williams accepted the RESAP certificate on Clay Electric’s behalf during the AIEC Safety and Energy Conference in January.
  • First Thoughts
  • March 2025

Setting the thermostat to safe

A futuristic energy grid with smart meters, renewable energy integration, and AI-driven demand management systems, illustrating advanced technology growth.
  • First Thoughts
  • February 2025

Preparing for the growing demand of electricity

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  • First Thoughts
  • January 2025

Become a voice for your co-op

Santa sits at a table cluttered with letters. He has his head in his hands and looks overwhelmed. In the backround there is a christmas tree and stockings over a fireplace.
  • First Thoughts
  • December 2024

Beat holiday stress

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  • First Thoughts
  • November 2024

It’s time to get serious

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  • First Thoughts
  • October 2024

17 scholarships, $2,500 each

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  • First Thoughts
  • September 2024

Powerful past, future-focused

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  • First Thoughts
  • August 2024

The difference between baseload and intermittent power

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  • First Thoughts
  • July 2024

To the rescue

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  • First Thoughts
  • June 2024

Empowered by experience

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  • First Thoughts
  • May 2024

Electric is our business, cooperative is our identity

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  • First Thoughts
  • April 2024

Keep decisions local

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  • First Thoughts
  • March 2024

Women empower

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  • First Thoughts
  • February 2024

Watts of affection

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  • First Thoughts
  • January 2024

Riding out the storm

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  • First Thoughts
  • December 2023

A gift that keeps on giving

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  • First Thoughts
  • November 2023

Stay politically engaged all year long

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  • First Thoughts
  • October 2023

ICL readers extend a helping hand to Illinois children in crisis

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  • First Thoughts
  • September 2023

Better together

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  • First Thoughts
  • August 2023

Thank you for your patience and your kindness

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  • First Thoughts
  • July 2023

Protect the skin you’re in

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  • First Thoughts
  • June 2023

Kite and key moments

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  • First Thoughts
  • May 2023

Youth Day returns

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  • First Thoughts
  • April 2023

It’s time to lead

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  • First Thoughts
  • March 2023

Untangling the kinks in the electricity supply chain

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  • First Thoughts
  • February 2023

Education is key to navigating the future

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  • First Thoughts
  • January 2023

Serving Illinois’ electric cooperatives

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  • First Thoughts
  • December 2022

Keeping power flowing calls for innovative approaches

  • First Thoughts
  • November 2022

How the grid keeps reliable power flowing

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  • First Thoughts
  • October 2022

Parting is such sweet sorrow

  • First Thoughts
  • September 2022

Singing his swan song

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Illinois Country Living Magazine • Site by Energized Graphics