John Cassady, CEO

As we continue to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Indiana Electric Cooperatives, we should take a moment to reflect on our rich history while we identify ways to build on the cooperative legacy together. When IEC was established in 1935, it was the first organization of its kind in the United States, formed to represent Indiana’s rural electric cooperatives. Our founders recognized early on that cooperatives needed a voice in the policy discussions that shape our future — a truth that remains as relevant today as it was in the 1930s.

Our Legacy of Political Engagement

The electric cooperative movement has always been deeply rooted in politics. Our reputation for being politically astute, engaged in our communities, and having a strong grassroots presence has made us a trusted, respected, and sought-after resource on key policy issues at both the Statehouse and on Capitol Hill. When we speak, elected leaders listen because they know we are committed to serving the best interests of the people we represent.

Recent Legislative Achievements

In the 2025 Indiana General Assembly session, IEC played a pivotal role in shaping legislation that impacts our cooperatives and the communities we serve. The 2025 Indiana General Assembly session adjourned Sine Die on Friday, April 25. IEC’s government relations team provided strong leadership and implemented effective strategies that helped shape positive policy outcomes for our members on several priority bills in the energy and broadband space. We entered the 2025 session from a position of strength based on the groundwork we laid with our member cooperatives to strengthen ties with state legislators and bolster our political resources, including our PAC and grassroots strength.

Engagement on the National Stage

Beyond state-level advocacy, nearly 80 Indiana electric cooperative leaders participated in the NRECA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., joining over 2,000 cooperative leaders nationwide. They met with members of Indiana’s congressional delegation to discuss issues affecting electric cooperatives and their consumers. Indiana will also be well represented at the upcoming NRECA Broadband Summit, where leaders will engage with federal agency officials and policymakers, including Congresswoman Erin Houchin, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

A Call to Action: Strengthening Our Political Engagement

As we look to the future, we must ask ourselves: What will our legacy be? Just as the pioneers of the electric cooperative movement left behind a remarkable legacy for us, how will we be remembered by those who follow in our footsteps? Political engagement is not just an opportunity; it’s an imperative. The challenges we face at both the state and federal levels are growing in scope and complexity. As electric cooperatives, we must answer the call.

To build upon our successes and prepare for future challenges, we encourage all member cooperatives to adopt the following strategies:

1. Achieve 100% PAC Participation: Ensure that all cooperative board members and key staff contribute to the Political Action Committee (PAC), demonstrating unified support for our advocacy efforts.
2. Increase Major Donor Participation: Aim to surpass the previous year’s number of major donors to the PAC, enhancing our political influence.
3. Make a Corporate Contribution to the IEC State PAC: Corporate contributions are vital for sustaining our advocacy initiatives and supporting candidates who align with cooperative values.
4. Attend Key Legislative Events: Ensure that at least one representative from your cooperative attends both the NRECA Legislative Conference and the D.C. Fall Fly-In to maintain a strong presence on Capitol Hill.
5. Participate in the Legislative Appreciation Dinner: This annual event provides an opportunity to honor and build relationships with legislators who support cooperative initiatives.
6. Host Legislators Locally: Coordinate with IEC to host state or federal legislators at your cooperative, fostering direct engagement and understanding of our operations.
7. Engage in the Grassroots Political Network: Encourage all cooperative leadership and employees to sign up for the grassroots political engagement network to stay informed and active in advocacy efforts.

By implementing these strategies, we can strengthen our collective voice and continue to advocate effectively for policies that benefit our cooperatives and the communities we serve. The good news is that you don’t have to do this alone. You have a team of experts at IEC who are ready and eager to support you in these efforts.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we stand strong for Indiana’s electric cooperatives.