Energy Efficiency

Simply put, energy efficiency means using less energy to get the same job done – and in the process, cutting your energy bill and reducing pollution. As your local electric cooperative and trusted energy partner, we’re here to give you the tools, tips, and programs so you can use your energy smarter, more efficiently, and least expensively. If you’re ready to reduce your energy use and start saving on your electricity costs, find helpful tips and resources here.

Easy Home Energy Tips

Heating & Cooling

Heating and cooling your home and water are some of the largest household energy expenses – accounting for up to 60% of total energy use.

• Electric heat pumps can transfer 300% more energy than they consume, compared to a high-efficiency gas furnace’s 95% rating. They’re great for adding AC, remodels or expansions, and new home construction.
• Air leakage accounts for 25% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling. Seal windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping.
• Run ceiling fans counterclockwise in the summer to produce a wind chill effect. In the winter, run fans clockwise to force warm air near the ceiling down to the occupied space.
• Draw your shades to keep rooms cooler in the summer. Open blinds in the winter to let sunlight in, and close them at night to keep warm air from escaping.

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You’re saving $29 each month when compared to the average electric bill in Colorado.

That’s nearly $350 extra per year you can put towards other necessities and expenses.

Analysis based on July 2023 Colorado electric utilities rate comparison and average residential consumer usage of 1000 kWh per month.

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You’re saving $29 each month when compared to the average electric bill in Colorado.

That’s nearly $350 extra per year you can put towards other necessities and expenses.

Analysis based on July 2023 Colorado electric utilities rate comparison and average residential consumer usage of 1000 kWh per month.

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How You Can Save More

These tools and services help you do even more when it comes to being energy efficient in your home.

A talk with our State Senator

It was great to sit down with Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative and Corn Belt Energy to talk about the vital role electric cooperatives play in powering our rural communities.

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EIEC Appoints New President/CEO

Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative (EIEC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bradley W. Smith as the cooperative’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 7, 2025.
Jeremiah 33:6 receives grant from EIEC

Jeremiah 33:6, a not-for-profit with the mission to provide preventative maintenance health education to community members in rural east central Illinois, is the most recent recipient of the Sharing Success grant program from Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative, the local electric cooperative, and CoBank, a cooperative bank serving vital industries throughout rural America.
Jeremiah 33:6 received $5,000 to help fund a produce pantry which offers nutritional food and education to people who can’t afford healthy food.
2024 Annual Meeting Recap

We want to thank Eastern Illini members who attended the Annual Meeting events in Tuscola, at the Ford County Fairgrounds and at the Iroquois County Fairgrounds.
It was great to be able to enjoy a sit-down fried chicken meal and talk with members, friends and neighbors. We hope everyone enjoyed the meal and music. Hats off to our employees who went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly. The final Annual Meeting event at the Iroquois County Fairgrounds culminated with the Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative business meeting with began at 6:00 p.m. in the 4-H Building.
New Rate Structure on April Bill

In 2022, EIEC began an extensive cost of service and rate study. That study showed us that while the cooperative was doing okay financially, we weren't quite collecting enough to properly maintain our distribution system. It further showed that a 2.5 percent rate increase was necessary to maintain system reliability and help cover the rising costs we've all seen in recent years. As we continued analysis, we determined that many of our fixed costs were being collected through kWh sales.
Member Meetings Scheduled

Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative will be changing the rate structure for members of the cooperative in March of 2024. We want to invite members to an informational meeting that provides background details, explains the new rates, and answers questions. Please join us for any one of these six meetings being held throughout our service territory.
EIEC is installing new meters

Eastern Illini has begun replacing meters throughout our service territory. The installation of new meters began in Iroquois County and will continue until all meters have been replaced. The goal is to have all the new meters in place by the end of 2023.

Outage Center

Learn what to do if you are out of power and view current real-time power outages in your area.

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Solar Energy Center

Touchstone Energy is dedicated to advancing our commitment to renewable energy through our 2030 Clean Energy Goal which includes a significant investment in solar energy. Today, during certain times of the year, 30 percent of the energy that Touchstone Energy Cooperatives provides can come from solar. Our focus on affordable, renewable energy options is what helps support rate stability and favorably position our co-op for the environmental needs of the future.

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Our Place, Your Power

Instead of going through the hassle of putting solar on your roof, including the large upfront costs often necessary, be part of your co-op’s community solar farm. Get energy produced by your subscription credited to your monthly bill.

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Home Energy Management