Adams Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility company that serves over 32,000 members across 10 counties in Illinois. The company was established in 1938 and has since been committed to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to its members. Adams Electric Cooperative has been at the forefront of renewable energy development in the United States, particularly in the geothermal and wind sectors.

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that harnesses the heat from the earth's core to generate electricity. Adams Electric Cooperative has been actively involved in the development of geothermal projects since the early 2000s. The company's first geothermal project was the installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system at its headquarters in Camp Point, Illinois. The system uses the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool the building, reducing the company's energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Adams Electric Cooperative has also been involved in the development of larger geothermal projects in the region. In 2010, the company partnered with the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to install a geothermal heating and cooling system at the Quincy Public Library. The system uses 40 geothermal wells to heat and cool the 55,000 square foot building, reducing the library's energy consumption by 50%.

In addition to geothermal energy, Adams Electric Cooperative has also been actively involved in the development of wind energy projects. Wind energy is a renewable energy source that harnesses the power of the wind to generate electricity. Adams Electric Cooperative has been involved in the development of wind projects since the early 2000s, when the company installed its first wind turbine at its headquarters in Camp Point, Illinois.

Since then, Adams Electric Cooperative has been involved in the development of larger wind projects in the region. In 2011, the company partnered with the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to install two wind turbines at the Western Illinois University (WIU) campus in Macomb, Illinois. The turbines generate 1.6 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 500 homes, and reduce the university's carbon footprint by 2,500 metric tons per year.

Adams Electric Cooperative has also been involved in the development of community wind projects. In 2013, the company partnered with the Farmersville Wind Energy Association to develop a 10-megawatt wind project in Montgomery County, Illinois. The project consists of 25 wind turbines and generates enough electricity to power 3,000 homes.

Adams Electric Cooperative's commitment to renewable energy development has not only helped to reduce the company's carbon footprint but has also provided economic benefits to the communities it serves. The development of renewable energy projects has created jobs in the region and has provided a source of revenue for local landowners who lease their land for wind and geothermal projects.

In addition to renewable energy development, Adams Electric Cooperative has also been committed to energy efficiency and conservation. The company offers a variety of energy efficiency programs to its members, including rebates for energy-efficient appliances and lighting, as well as home energy audits and weatherization services. These programs help members to reduce their energy consumption and save money on their energy bills.

Adams Electric Cooperative's commitment to renewable energy development and energy efficiency has not gone unnoticed. The company has received numerous awards and recognitions for its efforts, including the 2012 Wind Cooperative of the Year award from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the 2014 Environmental Leadership Award from the Illinois Environmental Council.

In conclusion, Adams Electric Cooperative is a leader in renewable energy development in the United States, particularly in the geothermal and wind sectors. The company's commitment to sustainable energy has not only helped to reduce its carbon footprint but has also provided economic benefits to the communities it serves. Adams Electric Cooperative's efforts to promote energy efficiency and conservation have also helped its members to reduce their energy consumption and save money on their energy bills. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, Adams Electric Cooperative is well-positioned to continue its leadership in the renewable energy sector.