Cooperatives worldwide operate according to the same core principles and values adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance. These principles are rooted in the first modern cooperative, founded in Rochdale, England. These principles are a key reason that America’s electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their members first. Over the… Continue reading.

Cooperatives in America are as old as the nation itself. 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. It continues to operate today. Electric cooperatives began in the 1930s because investor-owned utilities… Continue reading.

The fall is a popular time to burn leaves or branches in your backyard. When burning yard waste and debris, follow these important steps from the USDA Forest Service. CHECK THE CONDITIONS Dont burn when its windy or whe vegetation is very dry. PREPARE YOUR PILE Keep your piles small and manageable. Add additional debris… Continue reading.

The U. S. Fire Administration recommends installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of a home, including the basement. This is a fire safety precaution that all homeowners and landlords in your community need to take to protect residents from fire. Here are some common questions about… Continue reading.

COOKING SAFETY Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. HEATING SAFETY Use caution around heating equipment such as space heaters and fireplaces. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet from the heat. CANDLE SAFETY Avoid using candles because they can cause a fire. Use battery-powered lights… Continue reading.

Every week, it seems there’s another headline warning about rising electricity prices. One recent report really stood out to me. In July, the Citizens Action Coalition shared that over the past year, rates from Indiana’s investor owned utilities (IOUs) rose by an average of 17.5%. As the CEO of a utility, I take that personally…. Continue reading.

Explaining where power comes from may seem simple, but it’s not. The act of turning on your lights is at the end of a long and complex journey. The intricacies of getting power to that switch involve thorough and ongoing planning. There is not a day that goes by that my team at Wabash Valley… Continue reading.

Shedding light on reliability This past Memorial Day weekend, more than 100,000 people across Louisiana had an “unexpected outage.” To the regional electrical grid operator, it was a “load shed” event. Some folks called it a “black out.” Whatever label is used, people lost their power. As Wabash Valley Power Alliance’s CEO, this is what… Continue reading.

As the demand for electricity rises, Indiana’s two not-for-profit electric generation and transmission (G&T) cooperatives made the bold move and bought a power plant together.  As G&T’s, Wabash Valley Power Alliance (WVPA) and Hoosier Energy are the power supply partners to 34 electric co-ops in Indiana, supporting all corners of the state. WVPA and Hoosier… Continue reading.

Some people tackle spring cleaning by decluttering and scrubbing their home — while missing the most vital equipment saving them from a sweltering summer. Many people welcome the season’s warmer weather with a thorough spring cleaning of their home. This frequently includes focusing on sprucing up living spaces — or getting to that long to-do… Continue reading.

You can increase the value of your income tax refund this spring by spending it on improvements that keep more money in your pocket all year long. Many people eagerly welcome income tax refunds with plans for major purchases or upgrades, including home renovations. If you are thinking about improvements to your house, consider upgrades… Continue reading.

A plain patch of parched grass may one day bloom with bustling buildings thanks partly to electric cooperatives plotting the way. Electric distribution co-ops and the generation and transmission cooperatives that provide them with wholesale power plan for development in the regions they serve. They must anticipate future growth and ensure that electricity is available… Continue reading.