The first successful U.S. cooperative was organized in 1752 when Benjamin Franklin formed the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire — the nation’s oldest continuing cooperative. Electric cooperatives began because it was not cost-effective for investor-owned utllities to string power lines into rural areas in the 1930s.  Indiana Electric Cooperatives,… Continue reading.

Co-ops deliver electricity, sell produce, provide loans, and arrange for housing, health care and more. But despite these differences, they all have one thing in common, especially during National Cooperative Month, — seven cooperative principles: Voluntary and open membership: Available to all who can reasonably use their services. Democratic member control: Each member has one… Continue reading.

You might be surprised by the number of co-ops around you. Co-ops have been formed to sell produce and electricity, offer financial and banking services, provide housing and health care, and so much more. So, where did the bright idea for co-ops come from? It’s a matter of principles (seven to be exact!). The modern… Continue reading.

Whether streaming your favorite show, shopping for weekly groceries, giving an important presentation, gaming or checking to see who is at your front door, the internet has become an integral part of daily life. Having a reliable broadband connection isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity. Between remote work, e-learning, and using the internet for… Continue reading.

No matter your job, a business owner lives in your house: you! As a member of your local electric cooperative, you are actually an owner (a member-consumer) of the organization! Electric cooperatives sprang up across the U.S. in the 1930s as towns and cities across the nation gained access to electricity. The Rural Electrification Act… Continue reading.

Air leaks around the home can add 10 percent to your heating bill. Find the leaks in your house and plug them. Some places to look: Windows. On a windy day, light a stick of incense and hold it near the window. If the smoke travels horizontally, your window is leaking. Seal, caulk or weather… Continue reading.

Just as you tune up your car for the winter, you also need to tune up your heating system for the cold weather. Here are some things you can do to ensure your comfort and safety this winter.  Have a professional check out your furnace to ensure its safety, especially if you use gas, propane… Continue reading.

For many people, Labor Day is a day of rest. For others, it’s a day to catch up on outdoor home projects before the season changes. Faulty extension cords are often a source of injury when working outside. So are metal ladders coming into contact with an electrical source. By following the tips below, you… Continue reading.

Late summer and early fall often bring tornadoes and floods to our part of the country. That’s why it’s smart to take precautions with your home’s electrical system. Keep in mind that debris from storms can easily ignite if it comes into contact with downed power lines, especially if electrical wires are severed. Also, standing… Continue reading.

Most of us use electricity, either directly or indirectly, at almost all times. Because electricity is so abundant and available with the simple flip of a switch, it’s easy to take it for granted.  According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), the typical U.S. household now uses more air conditioning, appliances and consumer electronics than… Continue reading.

Have you ever noticed your lights blink during a thunderstorm? Or perhaps you’ve noticed a blinking microwave clock when you arrive home. When this happens, you’ve likely experienced a brief disruption to your electric service, which could result from a power surge or blink. While the symptoms of surges and blinks can appear similar, what’s… Continue reading.