NIPCO, Members Advocate for Lineworker Protections During “REC Day on the Hill”

Iowa REC representatives gather at the Iowa State Capitol for the 2026 "REC Day on the Hill"

Green was the dominant color at the Iowa State Capitol on March 17, but it wasn’t only for St. Patrick’s Day. Nearly 200 advocates were wearing green in support of Iowa’s rural electric cooperatives during their 2026 “REC Day on the Hill” advocacy event.

“Our annual advocacy day at the state house is a powerful opportunity to meet face-to-face with our state legislators and share a local perspective on issues that impact the members and communities we serve,” remarked Leslie Kaufman, Executive Vice President and General Manager for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (IAEC).

Representatives from NIPCO and its membership joined the statewide advocacy effort to discuss utility worker protections as outlined in Senate File (SF) 2400. Through this legislation, those who harass, threaten or assault utility workers out on the job would face stronger penalties. Lineworkers are required to enter dangerous situations and work in hazardous conditions and should be protected to the fullest extent of the law.

Additionally, electric co-op representatives talked with their legislators about concerns with third-party solar provisions outlined in House File (HF) 2672. Iowa’s electric cooperatives support solar development when it makes sense locally, but allowing third-party programs sets a concerning precedent statewide. Additionally, third-party solar developers would not be held to the same consumer protection standards or regulatory oversight as Iowa’s public utilities.

During the event, co-op advocates educated legislators on the benefits of the not-for-profit cooperative business model including local ownership, member governance and cost-based rates. Several electric cooperatives displayed booths in the rotunda which provided information on topics including economic development, investments in technology, electric safety, reliable power generation and student programs.

Learn more about the legislative priorities of Iowa’s electric cooperatives and Iowa Rural Power grassroots advocacy at www.iaruralpower.org.