Touchstone Energy
| Company type | Cooperative federation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electric utility |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Arlington County , United States |
Area served | United States (46 states) |
| Products | Electricity generation, transmission, and distribution |
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives (commonly known as Touchstone) represents a federation comprising more than 750 consumer-owned utility cooperatives located in 46 states throughout the United States, collectively serving upwards of 30 million members.
Established in 1998, the majority of these cooperatives are also affiliated with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The federation encompasses cooperatives involved in generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. Notably, over 88% of Touchstone Energy's affiliated local cooperatives incorporate renewable energy sources into their electricity production.
Support of utility cooperatives
Touchstone Energy provides its member cooperatives with assistance by offering training focused on strategic planning and the implementation of best practices.
Philanthropy
In North Carolina, Touchstone Energy cooperatives initiated the Bright Ideas grant program in 1993, which awards educational grants up to $3,000 to teachers who finance classroom projects using personal funds.
Legal Settlement
In July 2010, Hoosier Energy reached a settlement with the EPA concerning violations of the Clean Air Act. The resolution involved payment of a civil penalty and mandated enhancements to pollution control systems at the Merom and Frank E. Ratts Generating Stations located in Indiana.