Importance of co-ops within our communities

Yesterday we had the Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative on to our Just Talk segment. I was able to speak with Jeremy and Christie from the co-op, and they started by discussing what exactly a co-op is.

While they are just one of many co-op across Iowa alone, the impact that co-ops have particularly in rural areas is immense. Christie explains that it was because of co-ops that much of rural Iowa was able to receive electricity in the 20th century.

Iowa Electric Co-ops like the Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative account for 80% of the electric coverage across the state. Not only were the vital in the past bringing electricity to rural areas, but they are still the backbone of the majority of the infrastructure.

With Co-op month coming to a close, it is important to remember just how important they are to our state and nation.

You can listen to the full interview with plenty more information on the Just Talk section of our website here.