Press Releases

A thimbleful of co-op vision

As the electric utility industry works with others to address the problem of global climate change, one thing is clear: technological innovation flowing from human creativity is virtually limitless.

We will need the creative energy of our best engineering minds if we are to find a balanced solution that meets the nation's growing appetite for energy while meeting industry's obligation to help reduce greenhouse gases.

Part of the co-op challenge is to convince elected representatives that technological innovation offers the best strategy for reaching affordable and long-term solutions. In co-op boardrooms today, directors are taking a long, hard look at the effectiveness of energy efficiency and conservation in order to maximize the value of member service and minimize the impact outside factors are having on electric bills. Not since the energy crises of the 1970s-early 1980s have efficiency and conservation received so much attention.

Electric cooperatives are recognized industry leaders in promoting energy efficiency to help consumer-members reduce electricity consumption and save money. Virtually all electric co-ops provide energy efficiency education to their members, while more than 40 percent offer services such as high-efficiency lighting systems, geothermal and air-source heat pumps, energy audits, insulation and Energy Star appliances.

A free and open market for new ideas and new technology, unfettered by government restraints, is the best incubator for those solutions.

Importantly, any proposed solution that increases rates and puts the cost of electricity out of reach for our consumer- members is unacceptable.

In the 1930s, electric co-ops demonstrated their vision for a more productive rural America by committing to delivering electricity to the very last house on the line. Their vision — and the work of those who followed in their footsteps — built a generation and distribution network that reliably serves 40 million Americans in 47 states today.

A thimbleful of their vision will be enough to guide us through the current challenge.