At Spoon River Electric Cooperative’s November 25 board meeting, State Senator Dave Koehler (D- Peoria, 46th District) received the 2013 Illinois Electric Cooperatives’ Public Service Award. The award was made in recognition of Sen. Koehler’s dedicated public service to all citizens of the state of Illinois and for outstanding contributions to the rural electrification program. Of special significance, Sen. Koehler was the chief Senate sponsor of legislation that was approved by the Illinois General Assembly this past spring and signed by Governor Quinn. That new law will allow not-for-profit cooperatives to be formed for the express purpose of owning and operating anaerobic digesters that can potentially assist livestock owners in, among other things, creating renewable power.
Sen. Koehler has been a supporter of Illinois electric cooperatives and their rural member-owners on a wide variety of issues. “From addressing local issues that arise, to meeting with our co-op’s kids when they go down to Springfield for Co-op Youth Day, Sen. Koehler is always accessible and helpful, and that is incredibly important and much appreciated,” said Bill Dodds, President/CEO of Spoon River Electric Cooperative.