Hoosier Energy again recognized as Top 10 Utility by Site Selection Magazine

Hoosier Energy, the power supplier for 17 central and southern Indiana electric cooperatives, has again been recognized as a Top 10 Utility by Site Selection Magazine.

The magazine’s latest selections recognize utilities’ 2004 economic development results in four categories – capital investment, job creation, capital investment per capita and jobs per 10,000 population.

More broadly, the publication gauges the ability of energy companies to complement power delivery with the powers of persuasion and innovation in fostering corporate investment in their territories.

Bloomington-based Hoosier Energy works closely with its member electric co-ops and state, regional and local officials to promote job creation and retention and capital investment in area communities.

“Our 17 member cooperatives are committed to their local communities in many beneficial ways,” said Chuck Martindale, Hoosier Energy Manager of Member and Key Accounts. “Economic development efforts are important to the economies of rural communities so it’s natural that Touchstone Energy electric cooperatives are involved. This recognition by Site Selection is a tribute to our members and the communities they serve.”

During 2004, Hoosier Energy and its members helped bring 1,600 new jobs and $290 million in capital investment to Indiana. Hoosier Energy ranked second nationally in investment per capita in its service territory.

Hoosier Energy member cooperatives serve 270,000 consumers in 48 central and southern Indiana counties. The power supplier’s delivery system includes 1,400 miles of high-voltage transmission lines, 15 primary substations and 240 distribution substations and delivery points.

Hoosier Energy produces electricity at two-coal fired generating stations and two natural gas-fired peaking plants in southern Indiana. As well, the utility has interconnection agreements with neighboring utilities for reliable power delivery.

One of the tools essential to the economic development success of Hoosier Energy and its members is an extensive database of sites and buildings, available at www.hoosiersites.com.

Collectively, the top 10 utilities recognized by Site Selection helped create nearly 50,000 jobs and $10 billion in U.S. capital investment.

“Utilities play a key role as participants in economic development efforts of cities, regions and all areas working together to improve their local business climate,” said Mark Arend, Site Selection editor.

Site Selection delivers expansion planning information to a national circulation of 44,000 site consultants, commercial and industrial real estate brokers and economic development professionals. The September issue of the magazine with the utilities article can be found at http://www.siteselection.com/features/2005/sept/topUtilities/.

Hoosier Energy delivers power and services to Touchstone Energy electric cooperatives (REMCs/RECS) in central and southern Indiana. Its members include: