Effective January 1, 2008, “EnerStar Power Corp” became “EnerStar Electric Cooperative”. The slight name change is just one more step in the co-op’s concentrated effort to return to its core business, defined as providing reliable electric service and supporting local communities.

“We wanted our name to more closely reflect the fundamental nature of our business,” said Peter E. Kollinger, President and CEO. “EnerStar Electric Cooperative tells you who we are and what we do.”

As the co-op celebrates its new name, it also celebrates 70 years of service to its membership. Electric cooperatives are unique from investor-owned utilities in that they are member owned and controlled. On February 9, 1938, a group of 250 rural men and women joined together to form the electric cooperative to bring electricity to their townships when investor-owned utilities would not or could not serve them.

The co-op was formed and owned by its members who received the electricity, and they voted to elect persons from the membership to represent their interest on the co-op’s board of directors. Seventy years later, that remains how EnerStar Electric Cooperative is governed and controlled. All members have equal representation in the operation of their co-op.

“We’ve always been owned and controlled by our members. Our purpose of providing reliable electricity, outstanding member service and supporting local communities is as strong now as it was in 1938,” says Kollinger. “Our new name is just one more step in our efforts to fully focus on these core business principles.”

EnerStar Electric Cooperative is a member of Touchstone Energy — an alliance of more than 660 local, consumer-owned electric utilities around the country. EnerStar Electric is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 5,332 members over 1,520 miles of line in parts of Clark, Coles, Douglas, Edgar and Vermilion counties. For more information visit www.enerstar.com.