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Policy Priorities
At East-Central Iowa REC, we—and Iowa’s electric cooperatives as a whole—rarely ask the Iowa Legislature for action, and we never request state funding. Our focus is on monitoring proposed legislation to ensure that new laws do not negatively impact our member-consumers.
When concerns arise, we work collaboratively with lawmakers to resolve issues and protect our members’ best interests. While we don’t often seek change, we stand firmly behind several core principles that guide our advocacy and ensure reliable, affordable electric service for Iowans.
Legislative Priorities
Defined Electric Service Areas
In Iowa, your location determines which electric utility serves you. This structure—known as defined electric service areas—was established by the State of Iowa 50 years ago to make sure that every square mile of the state has an electric utility responsible for providing service upon request.
The law’s purpose was simple yet vital:
“To encourage the development of coordinated statewide electric service at retail, to eliminate or avoid unnecessary duplication of electric utility facilities, and to promote economical, efficient, and adequate electric service to the public.”
Because of this legislation, electricity is available to every Iowan, no matter where they live, work, or explore. It ensures that all Iowans—urban and rural alike—have access to dependable electric service.
An All-of-the-Above Energy Approach
Iowa’s electric cooperatives are committed to an all-of-the-above energy strategy—investing in new technologies while maintaining a diverse mix of generation resources.
While renewable and emerging technologies continue to advance, many still provide intermittent rather than dispatchable power, or are not yet widely available to meet full demand. To ensure reliable, affordable electricity for our members, traditional generation sources—such as coal, natural gas, fuel oil, hydro, and nuclear—remain essential components of Iowa’s power mix.
We believe this balanced approach offers resilience, flexibility, and affordability that Iowans depend on today and in the future.
Benefits of an All-of-the-Above Energy Strategy
- Energy Diversity & Reliability – A diverse generation mix increases reliability by allowing flexibility in response to changing fuel prices and availability.
- Economic Benefits – Enables grid operators to choose the most cost-effective generation resources to meet demand.
- Flexible for the Future – Supports innovation by allowing new technologies to mature and integrate into the system while responsibly utilizing current assets.
Safety – A Core Commitment
Safety is one of the guiding principles of Iowa’s electric cooperatives—protecting both our team members and the communities we serve.
We fully support Iowa’s Move Over, Slow Down law, which reminds motorists to take extra care when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights stopped along the roadway. Moving over or slowing down saves lives.
A new Utility Worker Protection Bill, proposed in the 2026 Iowa Legislature, seeks to strengthen safety and respect for those who keep essential services running.
Why it matters:
- Utility crews, like other protected professionals, often work in dangerous conditions to restore power and respond to emergencies.
- Stronger penalties send a clear message: harassment or assault against utility workers will not be tolerated.
- Reducing workplace violence protects lives, limits service disruptions, and helps control costs.
Electric cooperatives are built on a culture of service and respect—values that reflect the best of Iowa. Enhancing legal protections ensures field crews can do their jobs safely and effectively.
