There
are several
components that play a role in the success and operation of the rural
electrification
program. The essential parts of this program in Illinois are the
180,000
local citizens who own and contol their local distribution
cooperatives.
AIEC
- Through the Association of
Illinois
Electric Cooperatives , these cooperatives provide a system by
which they can increase their effectiveness and efficiency in providing
essential services common to all.
ACRE
- On the political front, the Action Committee
for
Rural Electrification provides the electric and telephone
cooperatives
of Illinois a strong voice in Springfield and Washington, D.C.
NRECA
- Another important segment in the rural electrification program is the
National
Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national service
organization
for electric cooperatives.
RUS
- The Rural Utilities Service
historically has played an important role in the rural electrification
program. An agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and formerly
known as the REA, the RUS makes loans to the cooperatives and has a
banker's
interest in the operations of its borrowers.
CFC
- The National Rural
Cooperative Finance Corporation
was established by electric cooperatives in 1969 to provide
supplemental
financing for rural electric systems throughout the United States. CFC
is now the principal lender for a number of electric cooperatives.
Touchstone
EnergySM is a nationwide alliance of locally owned and
operated
electric cooperatives, which can collectively provide enhanced services
and resources to their residential and business customers.
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