McDonough Power Cooperative hosts 77th annual meeting
At McDonough Power Cooperative’s 77th annual meeting Thursday, Aug. 21, members heard about their newly remodeled headquarters, updates on the replacement of a substation and how their cooperative has been supporting the community. Members also re-elected board members David Lueck of Macomb, Jeffrey N. Moore of Good Hope and Steve Youngquist of Cameron.
Chairman of the Board Steve Lynn reported on the headquarters remodeling process and how it will allow for expanded parking and easier access. The building has new energy efficient windows, better R-value insulation and upgraded utility services. All which will allow McDonough Power to serve members for many years to come.
Lynn also reported that the cooperative is in the process of replacing the Woodland substation near Western Illinois University. After sustaining severe damage due to flooding, the new substation will be located on higher ground and will be accessible during future flooding. The co-op was also involved in a substantial move of transmission and distribution lines related to the 136 bypass.
“Prairie Power, of which McDonough Power is a part owner, was instrumental in assisting with much of the work related to the bypass,” said Lynn. “This serves as a reminder that many times we must work with others to complete projects that are dictated by others. Helping each other is the cooperative way.”
Commitment to community is another cooperative principle and McDonough Power participated in many local events such as 4H auctions and farm safety demonstrations. The cooperative also collected 320 coats for their “Coats for Kids” program and distributed them to elementary school children in its service area.
President/CEO Mike Smith addressed the crowd and said, “If you only remember one thing from my talk tonight, remember that McDonough Power is a local, member-owned cooperative created for one reason and that is to serve our member/owners.”
Smith went on to report on the grassroots efforts it takes to make voices heard in Springfield and Washington. He went on to explain the importance of coal, not only in Illinois, but to the entire country. New regulations by the U.S. EPA look to limit the use of coal to the point that no new coal-fired power plants will be built and existing plants will be shut down.
“It is important to note that this is being done by regulation, NOT by our elected representatives,” said Smith. “Cooperatives support fuel diversity. America needs coal, natural gas, renewable energy, nuclear power and even bio-mass to prevent becoming overly dependent on any fuel.”
He encouraged everyone to contact family, friends and neighbors and ask them to let the EPA know that America needs an all-of-the-above energy strategy that will help keep us at a competitive advantage for years to come.
McDonough Power Cooperative is a member of Touchstone Energy — an alliance of more than 750 local, consumer-owned electric utilities around the country. McDonough Power is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 5,181 meters over 1,412 miles of line in parts of Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, Schuyler and Warren counties. For more information visit www.mcdonoughpower.com.