
By Jodi Borger
Across Indiana, energy advisors play a crucial role in empowering electric cooperative members to make informed decisions about their use of electricity. Their responsibilities go beyond simply answering member questions about energy consumption and providing guidance on energy-efficient upgrades, as unique situations constantly arise and no two days are ever the same.
“Every day is different,” said Joe Spear, energy solutions coordinator for Carroll White REMC. “Some days, I’m out in the field assessing high consumption, helping members understand their energy use, and making recommendations. Other days, I manage rebate programs, coordinate with contractors, or work on marketing and communication efforts to get efficiency information out to our members.”
Spear’s background in HVAC and construction gave him a unique ability to assess homes, troubleshoot energy concerns, and provide practical solutions. Like many in the energy advisor role, Spear’s experience and skills aren’t necessarily those you learn in a classroom but have been built on decades of hands-on experience and working with people.
“I entered the heating and air conditioning world in 1991 as a contractor,” said Spear. “I handled sales, service, and installation for over two decades before making the move to the cooperative in 2013.”
Educating and investigating
One of an energy advisor’s primary responsibilities is assisting members with high consumption and investigating potential causes of increased use. This is also an opportunity for advisors to educate members.
“First and foremost, it is just educating the members on how to know what things cost and how to control their use. People should know what their appliances cost to run,” said Spear. “If you plug in a space heater, you should have an idea of how much that will add to your bill.”
Matt Walters, lead member service technician at Boone REMC, echoed Spear, sharing that many residential members, particularly those new to electric heating and appliances, are unaware of how certain devices impact their bills. Member inquires on high consumption often stem from a lack of knowledge regarding electric water heaters and space heaters.
“A lot of people assume a small space heater doesn’t add up to very much money when actually it can be very expensive to operate and should not be used to try and heat a room on a regular basis,” said Walters.
To assist members in identifying the causes of high consumption, Boone REMC and Carroll White REMC, like many cooperatives, offer various investigative services.
“During in-home visits, I try to figure out how members use different electrical devices,” said Walters. “I’m able to hook up to the meter base with an amp meter to determine if anything is running that the member might not be aware of and help calculate how the total kilowatt-hours for the bill are adding up.”
Additionally, Boone REMC provides more in-depth home energy evaluations.
“We also offer evaluations using infrared cameras to detect missing insulation or air leaks,” said Walters.
Walters has uncovered numerous cases of hidden electricity waste, from well pumps stuck in the “on” position to malfunctioning heat pumps, all of which significantly increased consumption.
“We often find causes of higher use that members are unaware of, such as stuck well pumps, heat pumps, and geothermal systems that are not working properly, driving up bills unnecessarily,” said Walters.
Both Walters and Spear encourage members to take a proactive approach to monitoring their kilowatt-hour consumption.
“Knowing what type of HVAC equipment you have and monitoring it regularly to make sure it’s working properly before waiting to find out when electric bills arrive is key,” said Walters. “Take advantage of SmartHub, which shows daily reads, to see if something is abnormal.”
Assisting home efficiency efforts
Beyond addressing high consumption, energy advisors guide members through making their homes more efficient.
Some cooperatives around the state also offer various rebates and programs to assist members in their efficiency efforts.
“Sealing air leaks and adding insulation are some of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency,” said Spear. “Many people don’t realize how much heat they’re losing through their attic. I always tell them, ‘Seal it up first, then insulate, then look at upgrading appliances.’”
“Every co-op is different, with a variety of rebates and programs. We manage rebate programs and work with Wabash Valley Power Alliance, our generation and transmission partner, for additional incentives,” said Spear. We also offer an energy efficiency loan program, a water heater program, and a geothermal loop program.”
Spreading the word

Effectively communicating energy efficiency strategies is an ongoing effort.
Boone REMC takes a proactive approach by promoting energy efficiency through various communication channels, including targeted email campaigns.
“With the extremely cold weather earlier this year, we noticed a sharp rise in the number of accounts with unusually high use. We then worked with our communications department to create a targeted email campaign for these members,” said Walters.
“We use multiple channels — social media, SmartHub, radio ads, billboards, and Indiana Connection magazine — to get information out,” said Spear. “But one of the most effective methods has been working directly with contractors.”
Thanks to his HVAC background, Spear has built strong relationships with local contractors who, in turn, help spread the word about cooperative programs.
“When they’re out selling a new heating and cooling system, they know they can tell members about our rebates and efficiency programs,” said Spear. “It’s a win-win.”
Ultimately, the energy advisor’s role is about serving the cooperative’s members.
“We’re the ones that get to go in and engage with the member and talk with them at their kitchen table.”
said Spear.
The cooperative difference
This hands-on approach allows them to build relationships, answer questions, and help members make informed decisions about their electricity use.
“I would never recommend something that isn’t in the member’s best interest,” said Spear. “Even though we’re an electric company, if a gas appliance makes more sense for a particular home, that’s what I’ll suggest. It’s about what’s best for them, not just about selling electricity.”
This cooperative mindset fosters trust and long-term success for both the co-op and its members. By prioritizing education and engagement, cooperatives create a scenario where energy efficiency, financial stability, and member satisfaction go hand-in-hand.
A common question Spear encounters is why an electricity provider would encourage customers to use less electricity. While it may seem counterintuitive, the cooperative model operates differently than traditional for-profit utilities. Because electric co-ops are not-for-profit, they never take in more money than they need, so all extra revenue eventually goes back to their members in the form of capital credits.
“That is an excellent question because, that is our bread and butter, you might say,” said Spear. “But, if you’re using electricity efficiently and you’re happy, then we’re going to be successful and happy.”
By educating members on how to use electricity efficiently, cooperatives help them manage costs while still supporting growth. When electricity remains affordable, members are more likely to expand their use in a sustainable way — whether upgrading appliances, adding new technologies, or making home improvements. The goal is not just to reduce consumption but to ensure members have the knowledge to make smart energy choices that align with their needs and lifestyles.
“As a co-op, we are focused on service excellence,” said Walters. “I strive to go above and beyond to help our members, as is demonstrated by our proactive use checks. That’s the cooperative difference — what I hope sets us apart.”
With energy costs fluctuating and new technologies emerging, having a knowledgeable advocate on hand is more valuable than ever. Indiana’s electric cooperatives aim to provide reliable power, but it’s the energy advisors that equip members with the tools and knowledge to use it wisely.
Reducing your home energy use
Want to make your home more efficient, but you’re not sure where to start? Here are some tips for reducing your electric bill:
Find no-cost ways to be efficient
- Close the curtains in the summer and open them in the winter.
- Unplug appliances when they’re not running.
- Turn off computers and video game consoles when they’re not being used.
Look for small steps you can take and DIY
- Caulk around drafty windows.
- Check the attic for the correct amount of insulation.
- Switch to LED lightbulbs.
- Plant a deciduous tree on the sunny side of your house. In a few years, the leaves will cool your home against the sun in summer and then fall off to warm it in the winter.
- Old cable TV boxes use a lot of energy. If yours is not ENERGY STAR-rated, call your cable provider and ask for a new one.
- If you have a major appliance — like a refrigerator, washing machine, or dryer — that’s more than 10 years old, don’t repair it. The energy efficiency of a newer model will likely pay for itself with energy savings in a few years. Before buying any appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR label, learn to read it, and compare products.
Call your electric co-op and ask about energy-saving programs
Your co-op may or may not have a full-time energy advisor, but they are the experts in keeping energy consumption as low as possible. They can offer advice, appliance rebates, or a home energy checkup. You might be surprised to find out what’s really driving up your energy costs.