A Total Program
The AIEC is one of several integral components that play a role in the success and operation of the electrific cooperative program. The essential parts of this program in Illinois are the 250,000-plus families and businesses who own and control their local distribution cooperatives. Through the AIEC, these cooperatives provide a system by which they can increase their effectiveness and efficiency in providing essential services common to all.
Another important segment in the total electric cooperative program is the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) www.cooperative.com, the national service organization for electric cooperatives.
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) historically has played an important role. 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.
The National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) 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 most of the Illinois electric cooperatives.
