More than 150 senior staff and directors from Iowa’s electric cooperatives, including Farmers Electric Cooperative, welcomed legislators Jan. 13 in downtown Des Moines.

The annual event draws co-op advocates to discuss upcoming priorities during the 91st Iowa General Assembly. The annual event is sponsored by the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, the Iowa Biotechnology Association, the Iowa Communications Alliance, the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives and FUELIowa.

Priorities

1. Protect Iowa’s defined electric service territories to ensure every corner of the state receives consistent, cost-effective electric service.
2. Strengthen penalties to further protect utility workers who encounter threats, harassment and assaults while on the job.
3. Third party solar (community solar) programs undermine defined electric service territory by allowing a non-utility to provide retail electric service within a public utility’s territory.

For a complete picture of our 2026 legislative priorities, visit www.IARuralPower.org.

_________________________________________________________________

Pictured above, from left: Janelle Peiffer, Kevin Stender, Roxann Rhoads, Kevin Tanner, Rep. Ray Sorensen, Cary Gilman, Mark Earhart and Kris Petter.