Corn Belt holds annual meeting

Charles Meisenheimer of Walnut (seated, on left) is pictured with other re-elected directors of Corn Belt Energy Corp. and President and CEO Jeff Reeves (seated, on right.) (Photo contributed)

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BLOOMINGTON — Charles Meisenheimer of Walnut was elected vice chairman of Corn Belt Energy Corporation’s directors at the company’s 71st annual Meeting of Members, which was held at the Interstate Center in Bloomington on June 11. He was also re-elected for a three-year term to the board for a three-year term.

During the business meeting, Board Chairman Rae F. Payne discussed the cooperative’s concern that the proposed Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 could increase energy bills if enacted.

“Ultimately, consumers will be paying the bill for programs to reduce carbon emissions,” Payne said. “They should therefore be considered equal stakeholders in policy debates. We urge concerned members to contact their elected officials through the Our Energy Our Future campaign at www.ourenergy.coop.”

Corn Belt Energy President and CEO Jeff Reeves said the cooperative has applied for federal stimulus money to fund energy efficiency initiatives and upgrades to smart grid technology which would help members track their energy use with real-time data. He said Corn Belt Energy is working to complete a “cost of service” study which will evaluate whether the cooperative’s rates are fair and equitable amongst the member classes. Based on the study’s findings, the cooperative also hopes to develop economical incentives to encourage energy efficiency and conservation of the members.