Business : ECIREC makes trip to Des Moines for signing of bill to help restore power

Governor signs State Historic Preservation Office Reform bill - reps of Iowa Electric Co-ops

ECI Consumer Services Coordinator Kelly Pohlmann and Director Lloyd Bathan meet Governor Branstad.

     Representatives from East-Central Iowa REC were on hand this week in Des Moines when Gov. Branstad signed into law HF 267, a bill that supports the ability of rural electric cooperatives to promptly build or repair equipment following storm damage. This ability will ensure that member-consumers can count on the safe, reliable delivery of electricity following a natural disaster.

     HF 267 will reduce costly government restrictions on construction in potentially historic properties by making Iowa law no more restrictive than federal law. Prior to the passage of HF 267, state law far exceeded the intent of the federal law and this placed costly delays on storm recovery projects.

     The legislation had strong-bipartisan support throughout the legislative process and was one of the first five bills signed by Gov. Terry Branstad in the 2011 legislative session.

     According to CEO, Harry Ruth, "This legislation was a common sense solution to a real world situation. We appreciate the support we received throughout the process from our elected officials."

     In future storm recovery efforts electric cooperatives will meet the requirements of the law to protect historic sites but will also be able to move more nimbly to repair and recover services for our member-consumers due to the passage of HF 267.

     To learn more about the legislation or the bill signing ceremony, please contact Harry Ruth at 319-443-3561.