FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Dusky Terry, (515) 362-7682; or cell: (515) 423-9582

August 31, 2009
        
DES MOINES – Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) announces the launch of a new statewide media campaign aimed at educating Iowans about energy conservation and efficiency.  Entitled “Together We Save,” the campaign features the simultaneous roll-out of television and radio spots, print ads, brochures, and other collateral pieces, along with several energy efficiency interactive web applications.

This new campaign is built on the concept that small changes in behavior can help cooperatives deliver more efficient, reliable and affordable energy.  At a time of steady growth in demand, every consumer has a responsibility to be more deliberate in using energy wisely and efficiently.  This campaign provides energy consumers a few simple tools that translate into real savings.

The “Together We Save” campaign is designed to drive people to an interactive website full of information and helpful resources.  The site, www.togetherwesave.com, includes a virtual home tour with tips for how to save energy and money at home, several interactive web applications, and the Touchstone Energy TV featuring short videos on energy audits, lighting, sealing and insulation and more. 

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives developed and distributed the “Together We Save” brand materials as part of a national comprehensive communications campaign.   Roughly 700 local, member-owned electric cooperatives make up Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, which collectively deliver power and energy solutions to more than 40 million members every day in 46 states.  CIPCO and member systems including Clarke Electric Cooperative, Consumers Energy, East-Central Iowa REC, Farmers Electric Cooperative, Guthrie County REC, Maquoketa Valley REC, Midland Power Cooperative, Pella Cooperative Electric Association, Southwest Iowa REC and T.I.P. REC are all Touchstone Energy member cooperatives.  The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) ranked Touchstone Energy Cooperatives #1 in customer satisfaction among the utility industry in 2008.