GEO Announces Cooperative Engagement Initiative
Springfield, IL – The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO), a national non-profit trade association promoting the manufacture, design and installation of geothermal heating and cooling systems, announces a new effort to increase its involvement with rural electric cooperatives (RECs) to promote and support the installation of geothermal heat pumps.
“Geothermal is the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling technology in the world,” said Ryan Dougherty, GEO chief operating officer. “We have strong alliances with many organizations, including electric cooperatives, and those ties have yielded great results for homeowners across the country. With this new effort, we plan to expand our relationships and ongoing contact with RECs, helping their staff and leadership develop programs that will benefit their members.”
As part of this initiative, GEO welcomes Jim Sayers, Humboldt, IA, in a new position as GEO’s Cooperative Engagement Coordinator. Sayers comes to GEO with a long background and interest in rural electric cooperatives. He recently retired from Corn Belt Power, an Iowa generation and transmission electric cooperative.
Sayers said, “Electric cooperatives are pioneers, starting many years ago promoting geothermal heat pumps to save energy and increase home comfort. Co-ops have a tradition of working together to share ideas and resources. Today, geothermal systems are receiving another look as part of a national movement called ‘beneficial electrification.’ I look forward to working with electric co-ops to promote this movement.”
GEO is also pleased to announce that it has recently joined the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) as an associate member. This new partnership will help the organization in its mission to educate and assist NRECA’s member co-ops. GEO’s efforts will include increased contact, communication, outreach, training and information about its services and resources.
For additional information, please contact Jim Sayers at (515) 890-1601 or jim@geoexchange.org.