During the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC) Annual Meeting, held July 31-August 1, three elected officials were named recipients of Illinois Electric Cooperatives’ Public Service Award, which recognizes dedicated public service to Illinois citizens and outstanding contributions to the rural electrification program. One of the year's recipients included State Representative Adam Niemerg, who represents members-owners of EnerStar Electric Cooperative.

“Representative Niemerg is a strong advocate and voice on the issues impacting downstate and rural Illinois,” said EnerStar’s Angela Griffin. “As a member of the House Energy and Environment Committee, he is always eager to hear our thoughts on energy legislation being debated and how it would impact the industry and the electric cooperatives in his district. Griffin added that he never misses a chance to visit and interact with our local students representing the co-ops at the annual Youth Day in Springfield.

Niemerg is a Republican who represents the 102nd House District, which includes the service territories of EnerStar Electric Cooperative, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative, and Norris Electric Cooperative. Besides serving on the Energy and Environment Committee, he also serves on the Appropriations General Service, Education Policy, Insurance, Gun Violence Prevention, Restorative Justice and Public Safety committees. He is the Republican Spokesperson on the Immigration and Human Rights committee.

“This is amazing, and I'm so grateful for the recognition,” Niemerg said. “I want to thank everybody who is part of a co-op. You do an outstanding job. You keep me informed on the issues, and when there's an issue, you guys are on top of it. You're here for your communities. You're invested in your communities. So, thank you very much. It is an honor.”