Electric cooperatives, by their very nature, are accustomed to dealing with disruptions large and small. But the landscape for managing crises is changing dramatically. Stephen Bell, NRECA’s senior director for media and public relations, and Bill Coletti, CEO of the reputation management firm Kith, talk us through their advice on how to plan for, respond to and recover from events that interrupt our normal course of business.

You can also listen and subscribe to Along Those Lines on your preferred podcast service:
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube

Related Content:

Crisis Communications Toolkit

Find out more about NRECA’s podcast. Questions or suggestions? Email us at AlongThoseLines@nreca.coop.

Arlington, Va. – National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson today applauded congressional passage of S. 1822, the Broadband DATA Act.

“Bridging the digital divide is impossible without accurate service maps showing who has broadband access and who doesn’t,” Matheson said. “The Broadband DATA Act charts a course for a more connected rural America and is a welcome bipartisan solution under the leadership of the Senate Commerce Committee and the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee. It builds on success of more than 100 electric co-op rural broadband projects and injects much-needed accountability into the broadband mapping process.”

The Broadband DATA Act improves Federal Communications Commission broadband data collection by:
• Requiring providers to include more detailed coverage information in their self-reported data.
• Setting accountability standards for reporting.
• Establishing a process for third parties to challenge provider-reported broadband coverage data.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape. As local businesses built by the consumers they serve, electric cooperatives have meaningful ties to rural America and invest $12 billion annually in their communities.

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ARLINGTON, Va. – The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office has selected the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) for a $1 million research awardto make solar energy more affordable for communities with fewer financial resources and extend the benefits of solar development to low- and moderate-income consumers.

The CARES project will develop models, best practices, and other resources for electric cooperatives, solar developers and community and regional financial institutions. The project partners will provide $300,000 in funding.

The “Cooperatives Achieving Rural Equity in Solar” (CARES) project includes two financial institution partners, National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation and CoBank, to develop solutions that take advantage of financial assistance programs, guarantees and opportunity zone designations (where and when applicable) to make solar energy development more affordable.

NRECA is conducting this project in collaboration with GRID Alternatives, a non-profit organization dedicated to making renewable energy technology and job training accessible to underserved communities.

“The cost of solar deployment, while declining, can still be a barrier for electric cooperatives and their members who want to develop community solar projects. The CARES project will help cooperatives make solar more accessible and bring new economic benefits to their communities,” said Jim Matheson, chief executive officer at NRECA.

The project will convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including rural electric cooperatives, community and regional financial institutions, non-profit organizations, foundations, solar developers, economic development agencies, and electric co-op consumer-members.

NRECA was selected as a part of the Solar Energy Technologies Office Fiscal Year 2019 funding program, an effort to invest in new projects that will lower solar electricity costs, while working to boost solar manufacturing, reduce red tape, and make solar systems more resilient to cyberattack. NRECA is one of several soft cost projects that will work to reduce the costs associated with the non-hardware components of a solar system. This includes direct costs such as siting and permitting, as well as financing and compliance with local codes, rules and regulations.

NRECA will build on its successful record of DOE-funded research, which includes the Solar Utility Network Deployment Acceleration project. This project helped reduce the soft costs, barriers to entry and business risks of implementing co-op utility photovoltaic solar (PV).

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office supports early-stage research and development to improve the affordability, reliability, and performance of solar technologies on the grid. Learn more at energy.gov/solar-office.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landmass. As local businesses built by the consumers they serve, electric cooperatives have meaningful ties to rural America and invest $12 billion annually in their communities.

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NRECA CEO Jim Matheson made the following statement on the resignation of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt:

“We expect that EPA will continue progress on issues that will protect our environment while promoting a healthy economy. Federal regulation has a significant impact on electric co-ops and small businesses throughout rural America. We hope the EPA, under the new administrator, will continue to soundly review these impacts. Future regulations should allow electric cooperatives the freedom and flexibility to provide affordable and reliable power to communities we serve while conducting our business with concern for the environment.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape. As local businesses built by the consumers they serve, electric cooperatives have meaningful ties to rural America and invest $12 billion annually in their communities.

Arlington, Va. – The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) has announced the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) as a finalist in the “Innovative Partner” category of the 2018 SEPA Power Player Awards.

NRECA is being recognized for the Solar Utility Network Deployment Acceleration project (SUNDA), a joint  effort between NRECA and 17 electric cooperative partners. The SUNDA project converted lessons from a combined 30MW solar deployment into an array of training, tools and technical assistance that enabled co-ops nationwide to quadruple their collective solar capacity over three years.

“By collaborating with our cooperative members, NRECA has  spread the benefits of this project to all electric cooperatives, with amazing results,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “Not only is the collective cooperative solar capacity expected to reach a gigawatt by the end of 2019, more than half of the nation’s cooperatives are extending the benefits of solar to local communities in 43 states.”

“The Power Players Awards underline the fact that the transition in our industry is being driven not only by technology, but by cross-industry innovation, partnerships and collaboration,” said SEPA President and CEO Julia Hamm. “Those stories are the ones that often fly under the media radar. Local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives are focused on ensuring this transition benefits customers, the grid and the economic development of their communities.”

The SEPA Power Players Awards are the premier industry accolade that honor utilities, their industry partners, and individual thought leaders providing the vision, models and momentum for the electric power industry’s smart transition to a clean, modern energy future. Awards are given in seven categories: Investor Owned, Public Power Utility and Electric Co-op of the Year; and Innovative Partner, Power Player, Change Agent and Visionary of the Year.

This year’s finalists were chosen from a field of 43 nominations. Winners will be announced in mid-June.

About NRECA

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape. As local businesses built by the consumers they serve, electric cooperatives have meaningful ties to rural America and invest $12 billion annually in their communities.

About SEPA

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is an educational nonprofit working to facilitate the utility industry’s transition to a clean energy future through education, research, standards and collaboration. SEPA offers a range of research initiatives and resources, as well as conferences, educational events and professional networking opportunities. SEPA is founder and co-sponsor of Solar Power International and winner of the Keystone Policy Center’s 2016 Leadership in Energy Award. For more information, visit www.sepapower.org.

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ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association today applauded President Trump’s appointment of Ken Johnson, general manager of Co-Mo Electric Cooperative, as USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Administrator.

“We are excited and thrilled that Ken has been selected to lead the RUS program. Electric cooperatives have a storied history of working with RUS to power the rural American economy,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “The ongoing collaboration between RUS and electric co-ops remains essential to the success of rural communities across the nation as co-ops invest in infrastructure upgrades to modernize the grid and meet consumer expectations. Ken is exceptionally qualified to serve in this role and we look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”

“Ken Johnson is one of the top co-op managers I have ever worked with in my 40 year career,” said Barry Hart, executive vice president and CEO of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. “He has never forgotten that he works for the co-op members at the end of the line. When the members of Co-Mo electric cooperative told the co-op they wanted access to high-speed Internet services, Ken worked with his staff and found a way to deliver what the members wanted. Because of Ken’s leadership, Co-Mo’s members today enjoy internet with speeds of up to 1 Gigabit and access to the latest technology.”

USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) administers programs that provide infrastructure or infrastructure improvements to rural communities. These include electric power, water and waste treatment, and telecommunications services.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

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Issue. Over 880 rural electric cooperatives participate in the defined-benefit multiple-employer” pension plan sponsored by NRECA, covering over 56,000 employees in 47 states. Co-op employees are the backbone of our core mission to provide, safe, affordable, and reliable electricity. But rules designed for other types of pension plans were increasing volatility and cost pressures on participating cooperatives.

Status. In 2014 Congress passed a law recognizing that – by our nature – we pose virtually no risk of default to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), and yet we continue to pay insurance premiums as if we were such a risk. (See Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act of 2014 (Pub. L. No. 113-97) (“CSEC”). Current PBGC rules designed for “single-employer” for-profit companies inappropriately require us to divert scarce resources from our core mission. In late 2016, the Senate Finance Committee unanimously passed S. 3471, the “Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act of 2016” that fixes this inequity permanently. New legislation is expected in the 115th Congress.

NRECA Position. The same facts that led Congress to adjust funding rules for CSEC plans strongly support adjusting PBGC premiums charged to CSEC plans like us. Since CSEC plans pose far less risk to PBGC than “single-employer” plans, it does not make sense for CSEC plans to be subject to that premium structure. It’s time to stop forcing charities and not-for-profit cooperatives from subsidizing the PBGC premiums of “single-employer” for-profit companies. PBGC’s own data supports reducing premiums for CSEC plans; in fact, PBGC projects making more than a 3,000% return on CSEC plans for the 2014-2018 period. This legislation is also endorsed by Girl Scouts of the USA; Boy Scouts of America; Christian Schools International; The Jewish Federations of North America; UJA, United Jewish Appeal, Federation of New York; National Council of Farmer Cooperatives; NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association; United Benefits Group, and Hawkeye Insurance Association.

For more information:
Chris Stephen, NRECA
703-907-6026
chris.stephen@nreca.coop

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s acting chairwoman told an Energy Department panel that the shorthanded commission and its staff are nonetheless reviewing several items for possible consideration by an eventual “FERC 2.0.”

Speaking to the Electricity Advisory Committee, Cheryl LaFleur described the work she is doing with Commissioner Colette Honorable while three of five commissioner seats are vacant.

She described it as triage—”building the record for rulemakings when new commissioners get here”—while acknowledging that the new chairman will decide what to prioritize.

On the Agenda, Maybe

LaFleur indicated that prospective action items involve pricing to ensure it “reflects the real cost of keeping the lights on.” Another area is storage and distributed resources, with the latter topic drawing much more controversy than the first and the two possibly headed for “different trajectories.”

Other possible items include transmission competition; the commission’s use of data, which she said had improved under former chairman Norman Bay’s leadership; and the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, the focus of a recent FERC technical conference.

Finally, LaFleur indicated, there is the “the very complicated question” of market rules and state initiatives to choose resources.

“I worry that if we don’t get ahead of this we’ll have unplanned re-regulation,” she cautioned during the March 30 session at NRECA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.

Committee member Pamela Silberstein, NRECA senior director, power supply counsel, suggested another item for consideration, “Gas-Electric Coordination 2.0.”  She noted that many NRECA members are experiencing new demands on gas-fired generation due to the rising level of intermittent resources in the market.

This has imposed new demands on pipelines, Silberstein said, emphasizing the need for coordination is “as potent as it has ever been.”

LaFleur responded that “there’s more work to be done in this area.”

Business as Unusual

FERC lost its third member and its quorum in early February when then-chairman Bay resigned in the wake of President Trump’s designation of LaFleur as acting chairwoman. She told the DOE panel that she was “surprised and disappointed” by Bay’s abrupt departure.

The commission delegated authority to staff to continue certain agency operations before losing its quorum.

However, LaFleur specified, the pace of progress has slowed considerably; staff has issued 33 orders since early February, significantly less than the 100 it normally issues each month.

“We’re building up quite a backlog,” she observed.

The lack of a quorum has had impacts on many FERC licensees.

For instance, Winchester-based East Kentucky Power Cooperative’s waiver request on transmission access requirements was rejected, without prejudice, because the short-handed commission cannot consider major and contested cases. This will possibly force the co-op to restart the application process at a cost of substantial time and money.

FERC’s acting chairwoman expressed optimism that she could work with the president’s upcoming picks, “as long as they’re energy people.”

While the White House has been silent to date, news reports have indicated that leading prospects for nomination to the open seats include Neil Chatterjee, senior energy adviser to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and a former NRECA lobbyist; Kevin McIntyre, co-head of law firm Jones Day’s global energy practice; and Robert Powelson, Pennsylvania PUC member and president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

Looking (Way) Ahead

LaFleur previously led FERC during the Obama Administration, serving as acting chairwoman from November 2013 to July 2014 and then as chairwoman until April 2015. Tongue planted firmly in cheek, she told the DOE panel that her latest stint at the commission helm would “add a line to my obituary and hasten its appearance.” LaFleur also indicated that she intends to complete her term, which runs through June 30, 2019.

Todd H. Cunningham is a contributor to RE Magazine and NRECA publications.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today congratulated Ajit Pai on becoming chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

“We’re very pleased that Ajit Pai has been appointed by President Trump to lead the FCC,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “Chairman Pai understands the telecommunications needs of rural America, including the need to enhance access to broadband. We also are encouraged by his commitment to process reform at the FCC to ensure transparency and timely decisions. We look forward to working with Chairman Pai in his new role on the Commission.”

The FCC oversees a variety of issues important to electric co-ops, including the design and execution of the Connect America Fund, under which electric cooperatives interested in developing broadband services may receive federal funding to do so.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

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ARLINGTON, Va. — National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson today welcomed the selection of Sam Clovis to take the reins of the Trump administration’s transition efforts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Sam Clovis is an excellent choice to ensure that the USDA gets off to a strong start under the new administration,” said Matheson. “NRECA and several of our co-op members met with Sam during the campaign and were extremely impressed with his breadth of knowledge of rural and agricultural issues and policy. And as an electric co-op member-owner himself, he has a first-hand understanding of our members and the critical issues they face.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

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ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today congratulated former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue on his selection by President-elect Trump to serve as Secretary of Agriculture.

“Sonny Perdue is an excellent choice to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “He is a proven leader with a strong track record of appreciation for electric cooperatives and our mission to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve.”

“More than 75 years ago, America’s electric co-ops partnered with what is now known as the Department’s Rural Utilities Service to electrify the farms, ranches and small towns dotting the countryside,” Matheson said. “Our partnerships with USDA remain every bit as important today, as electric co-ops work to expand economic opportunities by powering and empowering rural American families and businesses. We look forward to working closely with Gov. Perdue once confirmed as Secretary of Agriculture.”

“Gov. Perdue has always been a strong advocate for electric cooperatives in Georgia, and he is a great choice to lead the Department of Agriculture,” said Dennis Chastain, president and CEO of Georgia EMC. “He is a multi-generational member of Flint Energies, a distribution cooperative serving middle Georgia.  Throughout his time in office, he has consistently engaged the electric cooperatives in policy deliberations and always took the time to understand our issues.  Electric cooperatives look forward to continuing to be a trusted source of information for Gov. Perdue in his new role.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

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ARLINGTON, Va. — National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson today issued the following statement on House Passage of the Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017 (H.R. 5):

“Overreaching federal rules can have a devastating impact on electric cooperatives and consumers throughout rural America. Regulations like the Clean Power Plan and the Waters of the U.S. rule will complicate the electric cooperative mission to provide safe, affordable, reliable power to 42 million consumers across the nation.

“Co-ops are proud to support the Regulatory Accountability Act, which will help protect American families and businesses from burdensome federal rules.  That’s why we joined with dozens of other organizations last month to urge the House to prioritize this bill in the 115th Congress.

“We’re especially pleased that the bill includes provisions of the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act, which will require federal agencies to consider the impact of regulations on electric co-ops and other American small businesses. We thank House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), House Small Business Committee Chairman Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), and all other House members who supported this important legislation.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

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ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today welcomed the 115^th Congress and pledged to work with lawmakers on issues that impact electric cooperatives and their 42 million members.

“The 115^th Congress has a great opportunity to work together for the benefit of the American people, and electric cooperatives look forward to working with lawmakers every step of the way,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson.  “America’s electric co-ops have deep ties to the rural communities they serve and believe that Congress should prioritize regulatory reform, rural economic development, and infrastructure improvement.  We look forward to working with lawmakers on common-sense goals that promote a healthy economy, enhance the quality of life in America’s rural communities, and ensure continued access to affordable and reliable power.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

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ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today issued the following statement in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Rep. Ryan Zinke to serve as Interior Secretary.

“America’s electric cooperatives have established a tremendous relationship with Ryan Zinke during his time in Congress, and he’s a great choice to lead the Interior Department,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson.  “Electric cooperatives work closely with DOI on a number of issues, including co-op right-of-way and land-use activities. The Department plays a key role in balancing the need to protect the nation’s natural resources with co-ops’ ability to maintain reliable and affordable electric service. Once confirmed, we look forward to working with Rep. Zinke to advance these crucial goals.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

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ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today issued the following statement regarding President-elect Trump’s selection of Texas Gov. Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy.

“America’s electric cooperatives work closely with the Department of Energy, and we congratulate Gov. Rick Perry on his selection to lead the Department,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “It’s crucial that the Energy Secretary understand the opportunities and challenges facing co-ops as we work to ensure continued access to safe, affordable, and reliable power for 42 million Americans.  We value DOE as an important partner in our pursuit of innovative solutions to our nation’s energy challenges—particularly in the areas of cybersecurity, carbon capture, renewable energy, and the development of electric utility infrastructure. We look forward to working with Gov. Perry, once confirmed, to meet the energy challenges of the future.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

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(ARLINGTON, Va.) — The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“EPA regulations have a profound impact on electric cooperatives and rural America, and we’re eager to work with Attorney General Pruitt on proposals that protect our environment and promote a healthy economy,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “Once confirmed, we hope the new administrator will work with electric co-ops and a wide array of other stakeholders to review the impact of EPA regulations on American families and businesses.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

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(ARLINGTON, Va.) —National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson today issued the following statement regarding the election results.

“Keeping the lights on and bolstering the rural American economy are goals that transcend party lines,” Matheson said. “For 75 years, America’s electric cooperatives have brought power, hope and opportunity to rural America. We look forward to helping the nation come together and move forward. It’s important that the Trump Administration and the next Congress work in partnership with electric co-ops on common-sense goals like modernizing the nation’s energy infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in our communities.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states across 75 percent of the American landscape.

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(ARLINGTON, Va.) – The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today announced a contract between NRECA International and the government of Kenya to help prepare a national electrification strategy to facilitate full electrification coverage for the entire country.

This initiative is part of the Kenya Electricity Modernization Project, funded by the World Bank. Working with key Kenyan agencies, NRECA International will conduct an analysis of the current electrification program and prepare a strategy to support rapid increase in electricity access to all regions of Kenya. Roughly one half of Kenyan households (about 23 million people) do not have access to electric service.

“Access to electricity in Kenya has doubled in the last five years, but the Government aims to reach full coverage by 2020, a goal that is needed for Kenya to reach its full potential as the largest economy in East Africa,” said Dan Waddle, NRECA International vice president. “Our experience over the last five decades shows the importance and direct benefits of reliable and affordable electricity in developing countries. We look forward to working with our partners in Kenya to prepare a strategic plan for providing access to millions more people living in peri-urban and rural areas.”

NRECA is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states. NRECA’s international affiliate—NRECA International – has been working in developing countries since 1962. Its global commitment has helped provide electricity to more than 110 million people in 43 countries.

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(ARLINGTON, Va.) — National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Interim CEO Jeffrey Connor today issued the following statement on co-ops’ support for LIHEAP Action Day. LIHEAP is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides those in need with assistance paying their home heating and cooling bills.

“Since 1981, LIHEAP has helped millions of low-income Americans pay their energy bills, delivering critical short-term aid to our nation’s most vulnerable citizens, including senior citizens on fixed incomes and the poor,” said Connor. “America’s electric co-ops, which serve 93 percent of the nation’s persistent poverty counties, are acutely aware of LIHEAP’s importance and the need to fund it at no less than $4.7 billion in fiscal year 2017.”

LIHEAP is a key issue for co-ops and co-op voters, because it reinforces one of cooperatives’ core principles: concern for community. While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

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(Arlington, Va.) –  The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) expressed disappointment today in the U. S. Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in setting uniform compensation levels for suppliers of demand response participating in wholesale energy markets. On behalf of America’s member-owned, not-for-profit cooperatives, NRECA had challenged  FERC Order 745 on the grounds that  FERC overstepped its jurisdictional authority.

“For decades, co-ops have been able to save co-op member-owners millions of dollars by creating robust demand response programs,” said Jay Morrison, vice president of regulatory affairs. “We are concerned that by giving this pricing authority squarely to FERC, the Court has diminished the ability of state public utility commissions and the cooperative and municipal boards to protect the interest of consumers. NRECA will continue to advocate for compensation levels that benefit co-op owner-members.”

“Electric cooperatives have aggressively pursued cost savings for consumer-members by offering a wide range of demand response programs; in fact in 2012, co-ops’ share of total retail electric sales was 11 percent, yet they were responsible for 19 percent of actual peak reduction,” said Morrison.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

Electric cooperatives collectively provide health insurance benefits to over 100,000 employees, retirees and their families. Whether the co-ops provide health insurance through NRECA’s Group Benefits Program or from another source, NRECA is committed to supporting all efforts to make health care more affordable, reliable and sustainable so that co-ops can afford to maintain these critical employee benefits.

NRECA is a founding member and co-chair of the Lobbying Committee of the National Coalition on Benefits, a group of major employer trade associations and large and small employers (www.coalitiononbenefits.org), sits on the Board of Directors of the American Benefits Council, the preeminent advocate of employer-sponsored benefit programs in Washington (americanbenefitscouncil.org) and a founding member of the Alliance to Fight the 40, a new, broad-based coalition of public and private sector employers, businesses and unions whose sole health care focus in 2015 is full repeal of the “Cadillac Tax” for ALL employers nationwide.

Documents

• What Co-ops Need to Know: Affordable Care Act: “Cadillac” Tax (PDF)
• ACA Timeline for Co-ops (PDF)
• ACA Tax Reporting Glossary of Terms (PDF)
• ACA Tax Reporting Forms Decision Tree (PDF)
• ACA Maximum Out-of-Pocket Limits (PDF)
• ACA Individual Mandate Tax Reporting Requirements (PDF)
• ACA Employer Mandate Tax Reporting Requirements (PDF)
• ACA Tax Reporting Webinar Questions & Answers (PDF)

(ARLINGTON, Va.) — The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that it will award a $1.8 million grant to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and its partners for research on reducing the economic impact of extreme weather events that can knock out power. The grant is part of $220 million in grid modernization funding announced Thursday by the agency, which has set a 2025 goal of reducing the economic costs of power outages by 10 percent.

The grant will support development of an open-source software tool, LPNORM, that will aid in the design of more resilient distribution grids. Led by a principal investigator at Los Alamos National Laboratory, NRECA’s Business and Technology Strategies department will work with the project team to develop the software along with partners at the University of Michigan and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

“The tool will identify the most cost-effective upgrades that utilities can make to improve grid resiliency,” says Jim Spiers, NRECA’s vice president of Business and Technology Strategies. “The goal is optimal resiliency.”

Currently available planning tools lack the sophistication to adequately help utilities plan for extreme weather events that “pose an enormous threat to the nation’s electric power distribution systems and the associated socioeconomic systems that depend on reliable delivery of electric power,” according to the grant proposal. The number and severity of events such as Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Katrina are increasing.

Other factors are also making resiliency more critical to grid reliability. As coal-fired power plants shut down and sources of reliable backup energy diminish, the system could become less able to tolerate outages.

The LPNORM software tool will incorporate distribution and communication models, data about extreme weather events, resiliency criteria and verification of design-solution quality. The goal is to find practical ways for reducing outages and, when outages do occur, shortening restoration times.

“Modernizing the U.S. electrical grid is essential to … keeping the lights on,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, in a prepared statement.

NRECA and its research partners will deliver the LPNORM software tool to utilities in three years. It will be incorporated into the Open Modeling Framework (OMF), a platform that provides utilities with power system simulation and cost-benefit analysis models.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(Arlington, Va.) – The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today expressed appreciation for House passage of a resolution to overturn the controversial Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule issued last year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers. Electric co-ops have expressed strong concern that the rule would dramatically expand federal regulation of waterways in a manner that would undermine their ability to build and maintain critical infrastructure.

NRECA commended Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) for sponsoring the resolution (S.J. Res. 22) and House leadership for bringing the measure up for today’s vote.

“Electric cooperatives maintain more than 2.5 million miles of distribution power lines that cover 75 percent of our country’s landmass, including waterways,” said Debbie Wing, NRECA director of media relations. “As it now stands, WOTUS would create permitting requirements for so-called ‘waters’ never previously regulated, such as isolated ponds and places that only contain water after it rains.  Requiring permits for these newly-identified waters would increase the time, uncertainty and cost for building and maintaining our transmission and distribution infrastructure.”

The Senate passed S.J.Res. 22 last November. The WOTUS rule currently is subject to a nationwide stay by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(Arlington, Va.) – National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Interim CEO Jeffrey Connor today issued the following statement regarding federal energy policy and tonight’s State of the Union address:

“As the President delivers his final State of the Union address this evening, America’s electric co-ops will be listening for what he has to say about energy issues critically important to co-ops and rural America. Energy policy can have a huge impact on rural areas, which often are disproportionately affected by federal mandates.

“This is certainly the case with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan, the linchpin of the administration’s efforts to meet domestic and international commitments to address climate change. While it’s been suggested that the President tonight may ‘take a victory lap’ to celebrate the Paris climate agreement and EPA rule, co-ops and their member owners are left to foot the bill in the form of higher electricity costs and threats to reliability.

“Based on our latest analysis, we believe that co-ops’ total Clean Power Plan compliance costs will range from $13 billion to $28 billion over the 2022-2030 period. The Clean Power Plan is a serious threat to the economic health and vitality of rural America and jeopardizes co-ops’ ability to produce safe, affordable and reliable electricity.

“At the same time, we recognize that smart federal energy policies can be both affordable and effective. We have partnered with the administration on efforts to accelerate development and deployment of solar technologies and lead the industry in community solar. Co-ops already own or purchase about 16.5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, with plans to add more in the pipeline. We have a similar track record on energy efficiency, which co-ops traditionally have promoted as a way to keep members’ bills low. Nationally, 82 percent of electric co-ops offer some type of efficiency program.

“As the President begins his final year in office, we hope his administration keeps in mind the needs and interests of rural America and makes affordable and reliable electricity a top priority.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(Tucson, Ariz.) —Kent D. Farmer, president and CEO of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC), Fredericksburg, Va., was awarded top honors in the cooperative industry’s “Spotlight on Excellence” program. The announcement of Farmer’s selection for the 2016 J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award was made at the yearly national conference for co-op CEOS sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

The judges committee recognized Farmer for his efforts to build a communications program that reinforces the co-op principles of member-ownership and democratic governance. At a truly member-driven co-op, co-op employees and leaders need to hear from members – a tall order when the service territory touches 22 counties. To this end, REC held annual “Get Connected” events and conducted telephone town hall meetings and surveys. One judge noted that Farmer “supports the use of any communication channel that is most effective to reach members and employees.”

Farmer himself plays a very active role in the co-op communications, reaching out to elected representatives, regulators, business leaders and young people. He has taken the co-op message to public meetings across the territory, with a special emphasis on education. Farmer has been influential with incorporating the co-op business model into college level curriculum and in the development of new industry-focused trainings in rural areas.

In announcing this award, NRECA Interim CEO Jeffrey Connor told the audience of co-op leaders that that “leading an electric cooperative requires commitment to reaching out to all the members, meeting them where they are on and urging them to become engaged.  Kent Farmer is an innovator and collaborator who is committed to inspiring a culture of excellence and that culture of excellence is evident in REC’s communications to its members and workforce. “

“Now more than ever, need leaders who understand that active, continuous communication with the members forms the bedrock of a consumer-centric utility,” observed Connor.

In addition, Farmer was the recipient of the 2015 Germanna Community College Distinguished Philanthropist of the Year Award and received the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce 2013, Prince B. Woodward Leadership Award. “I applaud Kent for his focus on training and for his contributions to his co-op and to the community,” added Connor.

The J.C. Brown award memorializes the late J.C. Brown, who – as editor and publisher of NRECA’s RE Magazine – is best remembered for his dedication to communication as a vital link connecting electric cooperatives with each other as well as with their consumer-owners.  The panel of five judges consisted of communication and management experts in academia, business and industry, including electric co-ops.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

In this webinar, Seth Perretta and Malcolm Slee of the Groom Law Group briefly reviewed the Affordable Care Act tax reporting requirements and forms for cooperatives. The remainder of the webinar was open to answer co-op questions on the requirements.

ACA Tax Reporting Webinar Questions & Answers (PDF)

(Arlington, VA) – Rural electric consumers across the nation stand to benefit from an array of new and revised laws and rules coming out of Washington, D.C. in 2015. From increased funding for an efficiency loan program at the U.S.Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to improved coordination on cybersecurity and consumer protections against monopoly business practices, policymakers demonstrated they were listening to the concerns of America’s electric cooperatives looking out for their member consumers.

Energy efficiency

Congress showed demand response programs some much-needed love, passing the “Energy Efficiency Improvement Act” in April.

• The Act paved the way for co-ops to expand the use of large-capacity electric resistance water heaters to reduce electric usage during peak demand times and, thanks to new technology, integrate more renewable resources into the electric power grid. Collectively, the co-op programs can reduce demand by an estimated 500 megawatts, saving consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.
• Thanks to the recently-passed Omnibus budget, USDA will have $8 million to fund electric co-op relending programs offering low-interest consumer loans that can be used to cover the cost of energy efficiency improvements. Consumer members can repay these loans from energy savings on their electric bill.

Surface Transportation Board reforms

Electric co-ops took heart when Congress passed bi-partisan legislation to reform the Surface Transportation Board, the consumers’ only protection against monopoly pricing by railroads.

• In December Congress passed the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Re-authorization Act of 2015, which electric co-ops believe will help level the playing field in pricing disputes with freight rail companies. For years, following the consolidation of railroads, co-ops have been subjected to monopoly practices that have drastically raised shipping costs. This bill represents the first major changes in freight rail regulation since the Staggers Act deregulated the business in 1980. Co-ops will continue to work for a dispute resolution process that produces fair and equitable results for electric co-ops and their consumer members.

Cybersecurity

The electric sector, in coordination with federal agencies and Congress, has made significant progress both in cybersecurity research and development and improved standards and planning.

• The Omnibus bill signed by the President contained long-sought legislation to promote robust information-sharing about cybersecurity threats between and among federal agencies and the utility industry. Real-time intelligence will be absolutely vital to electric utilities, including America’s electric cooperatives, in the event of a cyber-attack.
• A total of 18 co-ops from around the country joined in the electric sector’s national exercise simulating physical and cyber attacks. The drill gave co-ops a chance to put contingency and disaster plans to the test, including plans for responding to a major cyber event.

Endangered species protections

Electric co-ops are encouraged by the willingness of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to hear co-op concerns and find solutions that reduce the burden of species protection while accomplishing the goals of the Endangered Species Act.

• A FWS proposal to list the northern long-eared bat as an endangered species would have put more than 650 co-ops in an untenable position, forced to choose between complying with reliability requirements or species protection requirements. In complying with habitat protection rules enforced by the FWS, co-ops would find themselves out of compliance with reliability standards enforced by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. Co-ops worked with FWS officials to craft a responsible approach that balances bat preservation and electric reliability. The FWS listed the bat as threatened rather than endangered and finalized a special rule that allows co-ops to carry out the tree-trimming needed to maintain reliability.

Environmental regulation

All too often bureaucracy needlessly increases the cost of environmental regulation, ultimately paid by electric consumers, sometimes even siphoning money from the objective: a cleaner environment.

• The recently enacted “Highway Bill” includes a provision that should help streamline and coordinate environmental reviews of energy infrastructure projects. This was the first re-write of environmental review laws in nearly 40 years.
• The Supreme Court ruled in our favor that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should have considered costs when determining the appropriateness and necessity of regulating mercury in the Mercury and Air Toxics regulation finalized several years ago.
• Both EPA and the Corps of Engineers clarified that the final Waters of the U.S. rule does not narrow the scope and applicability of general permits. If projects could be conducted under nationwide permits before the rule, they can still be used under the new rule.

NRECA worked diligently to advocate for the interests of America’s not-for-profit, member-owned cooperatives and their 42 million consumer-members all across the country. Every victory that allows co-ops to continue to honor their obligation to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity is a victory for those consumers.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, Va.) — The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today applauded congressional approval of the fiscal year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill, which includes several key provisions sought by electric co-ops.

“We are grateful to lawmakers for recognizing the importance of programs vital to America’s electric co-ops,” said NRECA Interim CEO Jeffrey Connor. “This bill contains a number of critical funding and policy provisions that will ultimately enable not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperatives to continue providing 42 million Americans with affordable, safe and reliable electricity.”

NRECA supports funding provisions including:

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Co-ops maintain roughly half of the nation’s distribution lines, covering about 75 percent of the country’s land mass. “Electric co-ops depend on USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS) programs to helpfinance affordable electricity generation and distribution and to bring community improvements to rural America,” said Connor. NRECA applauds Congress for funding the RUS Electric Loan Program at a loan level of $5.5 billion, the Guaranteed Underwriter Program at $750 million, and the Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program at $33 million.

NRECA also appreciates new funding to implement energy efficiency improvements through the Rural Energy Savings Program. “Combined, these programs will enhance the economic viability of cooperatives and, more broadly, the communities we serve,” said Connor.

Cooperative Development Program (CDP): The bill funds the U.S. Agency for International Development’s CDP at $11 million in fiscal year 2016. CDP is a competitive grants program that supports cooperative development programs and projects overseas implemented by U.S. cooperative organizations. NRECA International has been a partner in this program for more than 50 years. “The cooperative business model is a proven way to lift communities out of poverty through their own self-reliance,” said Connor. “We are proud to have used this model to bring electricity to millions of people around the world through the CDP.”

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Congress designated $3.39 billion for LIHEAP, a program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help families meet their energy costs. “LIHEAP makes a big difference to people struggling to make ends meet,” said Connor. “Electric co-ops know this first hand, because we serve 93 percent of the country’s persistent poverty counties.”

NRECA supports policy provisions including:

Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA): Electric co-ops applaud the successful inclusion and passage of cybersecurity legislation in the omnibus bill. “This bipartisan legislation enhances and encourages voluntary multi-directional cyber threat information sharing between the federal government and private entities, including electric co-ops,” said Connor. “The bill preserves existing communications channels and will help bolster our national security posture.”

“Cadillac Tax”: America’s electric co-ops provide health insurance benefits to more than 100,000 employees, retirees and their families who will be hurt by this 40-percent excise tax on “high-cost” health plans. “We applaud postponement of this unfair and burdensome tax, which will disproportionally impact rural communities where limited access makes the cost of health care much higher than in urban areas,” said Connor. “No co-op should be penalized for ‘doing the right thing’ by providing quality and affordable health care plans.”

Sage Grouse Protection: Co-ops welcome language to reinforce a decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service not to list the greater sage grouse as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. “Electric cooperatives across the country have worked to develop conservation plans for various species that will protect wildlife without imposing unnecessary financial burdens on their members,” said Connor.

Hydropower: NRECA is supportive of the Reclamation Safety of Dams provision shielding existing federal hydropower customers from bearing the costs of any potential expansion of reclamation dams for non-hydropower purposes. “The measure ensures that the additional costs of any such expansion will be allocated solely to the beneficiaries of the new construction and not to existing project beneficiaries like current hydro customers,” said Connor.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA) — The Senate’s passage today of the Electrify Africa Act of 2015 received approval from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The bill encourages meaningful public-private partnerships that will bring electricity to 50 million people in sub-Saharan Africa and help to lift impoverished African communities out of subsistence living.

“NRECA is encouraged by the bill’s emphasis on electricity distribution and expanding access,” said Jeffrey Connor, NRECA’s interim CEO. “Poles and wires are what move electricity from power plants to people, and this bill will help ensure that crucial step isn’t left out. We are thankful to Senator Corker, Senator Cardin, and those stalwart legislators who believe that promoting economic development by expanding access to electricity will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic.”

NRECA’s international affiliate—NRECA International – has worked in developing countries since 1962. Its global commitment has provided electricity to more than 110 million people in 43 countries.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives in the United States. Those co-ops provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA) — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today it is investing more than $1.3 million in research to create low-cost, demand-side management tools for improving the resiliency of the country’s electric grid and better controlling peak demand. Led by America’s electric cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the GridBallast project will optimize incorporation of distributed energy resources on the grid.

NRECA and its research partners will create two devices: a water heater controller and a device to control plug-in appliances. The mechanisms will use algorithms to continuously monitor the voltage and frequency of electricity feeds directly at the plug. In response to irregularities, the devices will turn electric appliances off and on while being careful to preserve quality of service.
Unlike traditional demand-response programs that manage devices from a central location, the new controllers will function autonomously, monitoring electrical anomalies in the field and making rapid, low-scale adjustments. Averting the need for communications infrastructure, GridBallast could reduce load control costs by at least 50 percent, the project’s leaders say.

“They will be faster than centrally-controlled demand response programs. They won’t require operator control. And they’ll minimize opportunities for cybersecurity intrusions,” said Jim Spiers, GridBallast principal investigator and vice president of NRECA Business and Technology Strategies. “The goal with GridBallast is to make load management an inherent part of grid operations rather than a central control action.”

Researchers will focus on defining control algorithms that will allow GridBallast devices to work together without a network. The research team assembled by NRECA includes experts from Carnegie Mellon University, Eaton and SparkMeter. Eaton will develop the water-heater controller. SparkMeter will build a smart circuit controller. NRECA and co-ops will pilot the devices on their systems in partnership with cooperatives.

GridBallast is the first cooperative-led project funded through DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Administration – Energy (ARPA-E), specifically the Network Optimized Distributed Energy Systems (NODES) program for advancing demand-side management technology.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA) — National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Interim CEO Jeffrey Connor today praised House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Penn.) and House leadership for passing the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Re-authorization Act of 2015.

NRECA also expressed its gratitude to U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) for their leadership in sponsoring the bill.

“This bill represents an important step toward leveling the playing field on behalf of electric cooperatives that have been subjected to years of freight rail monopoly practices,” Connor said. “We will continue to work for a process that produces fair and equitable results for electric co-ops and their members.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(Arlington, VA)–Martin Lowery, senior vice president for external affairs and member relations at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), will join cooperative representatives in Paris to discuss the cooperatives’ contribution to developing renewables and increasing energy efficiency.

Sponsored by the International Cooperative Alliance, the event takes place on December 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the UNESCO building (125 avenue de Suffren, 75007 Paris).

Lowery will participate on a panel entitled “Cooperation to Accelerate the Energy Transition” with cooperative organizations from Germany and France.

“America’s electric cooperatives lead the electric utility sector in the development of community solar and innovative residential demand response programs. I look forward to sharing our experience and perspective with the global community,” said Lowery.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA) — Electric co-ops were well-represented among the 350 organizations that participated this week in a two-day exercise to evaluate and help prepare for potential threats to the electric grid. The exercise, “GridEx III,” simulated physical and cyber attacks on the nation’s power systems, destruction of communication systems, and damage from explosive devices and shootings.

A total of 18 generation & transmission and distribution co-ops took part in the drill, which was spearheaded by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). NERC said the exercise was designed to “enhance coordination of cyber and physical security resources and practices within the industry, as well as communication with government partners and other stakeholders, including those in Canada and Mexico.”

Duane Highley, president and CEO of Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation & Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., and vice chair of NERC’s Electric Subsector Coordinating Council, took part in the exercise and a related media teleconference. “Simulated exercises such as these allow co-ops to practice contingency and response plans, improve them, and hone our skills to be prepared for potential future events,” he said. “This also gives us the opportunity to improve our coordination capabilities with multiple industry sector partners at the local, state and federal levels.”

Over the last several years, co-ops have worked diligently with the NERC and federal agencies to strengthen reliability standards — including a significant set of cybersecurity standards — to maintain and protect the reliability of the bulk power system.

With funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, NRECA is producing a prototype security system that will rapidly identify network security threats and make it easier to keep networks safe. The Essence team includes Pacific Northwest National Lab, Honeywell and Carnegie Mellon University. The research project runs until March 2016.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA) — Maintaining reliable electric service is the top priority of electric co-ops’ member-owners, according to a new nationwide survey. The findings come amid the release of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan (CPP), which could threaten the reliability of the country’s electric supply.

The survey asked member-owners of America’s electric cooperatives to identify the most important factor regarding their electric service. Fifty-four percent of respondents said that reliability was most important. Thirty percent of co-op members listed cost as their greatest concern. Conservation and environmental impact were third and fourth, with 9 and 5 percent of respondents listing them as their top priority, respectively.

“The member-owners of America’s electric cooperatives are clear about what’s most important to them, and that’s reliability and affordability,” said National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Interim CEO Jeffrey Connor. “When they flip the electric switch, they expect the lights to come on—and stay on—at an affordable rate.”

The CPP will hurt many not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric co-ops, leading to higher prices for electricity and forcing the closure of co-op-owned power plants with years of life left in them. The rule was finalized in August and published in the Federal Register last month.

“The CPP will lead to increased electric bills, and it will handcuff rural economies,” Connor said. “The hardest hit by the plan will be the country’s most vulnerable populations who can least afford to pay more for electricity—people already living on fixed incomes or in poverty. It’s important for 2016 candidates to consider the devastating impact of this complex and costly scheme on rural voters and rural economies.”

The poll surveyed 750 individual co-op members during October and November. Frederick Polls conducted the survey, which was commissioned by NRECA. The poll has a margin of error of 3.6 percent. Two charts based on the polling data are available here.

“For more than 75 years, electric cooperatives have illuminated more than three quarters of the nation’s land mass,” Connor said. “As we work to meet 21st century energy demands, cooperatives are concerned about EPA’s Clean Power Plan, and the threat it poses to reliability. Those concerns are shared by our member-consumers at the end of the line.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Board of Directors tapped Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff Jeffrey Connor to serve as interim CEO at a special meeting today. Connor has been acting CEO since August and will now fill the interim position in the continued absence of CEO Jo Ann Emerson due to medical reasons.

“Jeffrey and NRECA’s senior leadership have the confidence and trust of the Board of Directors to continue the good work of this organization on behalf of its members. Without question, this has been a difficult few months for employees and members of the organization, and we know Jeffrey is providing the leadership we need right now. This decision affirms the mission of NRECA and expresses the Board’s confidence that this appointment will support the organization’s positive momentum for the future,” said Board President Mel Coleman.

Prior to coming to NRECA, Connor served as chief of staff to Jo Ann Emerson during her service in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“We have a very talented team at NRECA, and I’m honored to be part of a dedicated group of people who work so hard for our membership. I’m also confident in our ability to provide the highest levels of advocacy and support for electric cooperatives and their communities,” said Connor. “Our strong member focus is the highest priority as we move forward together.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA.) Following Senate passage of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA) today, Kirk Johnson, senior vice-president of government relations at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, thanked Chairman Richard Burr and Vice Chair Diane Feinstein for bipartisan leadership on a bill to promote multidirectional voluntary information sharing by the government and businesses in response to cyber threats.

“Cooperatives are committed to providing reliable power at the lowest cost to their consumer members and protecting the reliability and security of the bulk power system. Robust, voluntary Information sharing between and among members of the electric sector and government agencies will be absolutely vital to electric utilities, including America’s electric cooperatives. We are grateful to Chairman Richard Burr and Vice Chair Diane Feinstein for their leadership in creating a foundation for effective cybersecurity that also, appropriately, protects individual privacy,” said Johnson.

“The sooner this bill becomes law, the better. We urge the Congress to move forward into conferencing their cybersecurity information sharing legislation and sending a bill to the President’s desk.”

NRECA works closely with its members to promote security and resilience against cyber-attacks.

Over the last several years, cooperatives have worked diligently with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and federal agencies to strengthen reliability standards — including a significant set of cybersecurity standards — to maintain and protect the reliability of the bulk power system.

With funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, NRECA is producing a prototype security system that will rapidly identify network security threats and make it easier to keep networks safe. The Essence team includes Pacific Northwest National Lab, Honeywell and Carnegie Mellon University. The research project runs until March 2016.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA) — Debbie Wing, director of media relations at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan, which is expected to be published in tomorrow’s Federal Register.

“The EPA’s overreach will have a severe and adverse impact on millions of Americans and businesses across the country through higher electricity bills that will drag down the economy. The forced shut down of co-op power plants before their financial obligations are met means co-op member-owners will be paying twice for their electricity: once for the shuttered plant and again for power from somewhere else.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(WASHINGTON. DC) — “The economic development work in rural America is not done, and we appreciate Chairman Moran, Ranking Member Merkley and the members of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture shedding light on this important topic,” said Sunflower Electric Corporation President and CEO Stuart Lowry.

Lowry, representing Sunflower and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), testified during a hearing of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration & Related Agencies, entitled “Rural Development in 21st Century America.”

Lowry called the development of electric co-ops “a perfect example of fostering rural development.” In the early 1900s, much of rural America was literally “in the dark” and unserved by private power companies. President Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration, now the Rural Utility Service (RUS), to electrify and develop rural America in 1935. Its programs have since grown to offer many tools that rural utilities use to strengthen rural America, beyond just providing electricity as initially intended.

Lowry specifically touched on the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program (REDLG). “REDLG is one of the programs that co-ops have utilized to help enhance small-town America, and Kansas is just one of the many success stories,” Lowry said. He mentioned how these programs have been used in his state to purchase ambulances, manufacturing machinery, computed tomography equipment for rural hospitals, upgrades to energy efficiency and retirement homes, among other job creating projects in rural America.

In June, NRECA convened a Rural Summit in Washington, D.C. The event gathered representatives from organizations working on rural issues from the administration in various federal departments, non-profit groups, academia, and rural leaders to hold a positive conversation about how to tackle the toughest issues facing rural communities and main street economies. Today’s hearing built on this collaboration of ideas and reiterated the importance of robust funding for REDLG, RUS, Guaranteed Underwriter Programs and Energy Efficiency Programs so that electric co-ops can continue to innovate and support rural America.

Finally, Lowry thanked the subcommittee and full committee for their support. “Sunflower, NRECA, and co-ops across the country greatly appreciate this subcommittee and the full committee’s support for funding the RUS electric loan program at the $6 billion level for FY16. Thank you for recognizing the value that the electric program and co-ops provide to approximately 42 million people every day.”

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale generation and transmission supplier that operates a system of wind, gas, and coal-based generating plants and a 2,300-mile transmission system for the needs of its member cooperatives who serve in central and western Kansas. Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative Inc., Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative Inc., Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative Inc., Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association Inc., Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association Inc., WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc., Scott City, Kansas.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(Arlington, VA) – Today the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), along with the American Public Power Association, Electric Power Supply Association and the Edison Electric Institute, is challenging the legality of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Order 745 in oral arguments before the U. S. Supreme Court.

NRECA opposes FERC Order 745 on the grounds that, in setting the level of demand response compensation, FERC overstepped its jurisdictional authority. Order 745 establishes uniform compensation levels for suppliers of demand response participating in wholesale energy markets. FERC is prohibited by the Federal Power Act from regulating retail rates. The central issue before the Court, therefore, is whether FERC has the authority to regulate demand response or if such regulation is under states’ exclusive jurisdiction.

“Electric cooperatives have aggressively pursued cost savings for consumer-members by offering a wide range of demand response programs; in fact in 2012, co-ops’ share of total retail electric sales was 11 percent, yet they were responsible for 19 percent of actual peak reduction,” said Paul Breakman, NRECA FERC counsel.

“While co-ops strongly support demand response, we challenge FERC’s authority to set demand response compensation levels.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA) – The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) announced that its international affiliate—NRECA International—has contracted with the World Bank to help prepare a national strategy for electrification in Ethiopia. The strategy will lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth by expanding access to electricity for millions of Ethiopians.

Working with key Ethiopian government agencies, NRECA International will conduct an analysis of the energy sector, provide a detailed plan to double the number of homes and businesses with access to electricity and increase and diversify power generation. Currently about three out of four Ethiopian households do not have access to electric service. The project is one component of Ethiopia’s Growth and Transformation Plan.

“An increasing number of world leaders now recognize that reliable access to electricity is critical for sustainable economic growth,” said Dan Waddle, NRECA International senior vice president. “We look forward to helping Ethiopia meet its growing demand for electricity with a generation, transmission and distribution roadmap to connect communities with electricity, including millions of people living in rural areas.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states. NRECA’s international affiliate—NRECA International – has been working in developing countries since 1962. Its global commitment has helped provide electricity to more than 110 million people in 43 countries.

(ARLINGTON, VA) — America’s not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperatives are deeply disappointed by new standards for handling the by-products from electric steam power plants. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) had urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to re-consider the cost-effectiveness of the rule on small entities. Smaller power plants like those operated by co-ops should have been able to negotiate cost-effective “best professional judgment” limits with their respective state permit writers.

NRECA senior vice-president for governmental affairs, Kirk Johnson, issued the following statement on the rule finalized today:

“As local, member-owned businesses, electric co-ops and their member-owners value and deserve a healthy environment. However, the economic challenges many of our rural member-owners face underscore the importance of cost-effective regulations.

NRECA and others had identified significant errors in the data the EPA used to support the proposed rule, yet the Agency appears wedded to the initial proposal. We are dismayed by the lack of rigor and by the lack of consideration given to cost, a burden that will ultimately be felt by co-op consumer-members.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA.)–Engineering designs for utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays developed by cooperative staff working with a research team at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) make their debut today when CoServ Electric dedicates its 2-MW community solar project in Krugerville, Texas.

In 2013, NRECA won support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative to create a set of standardized tools, including electrical engineering designs and financial business models, as part of an effort to drive down costs and reduce barriers to solar development.

“CoServ’s solar array is the first system using NRECA’s modular engineering designs to come online. We are thrilled to have CoServ as partner in this project. The CoServ array illustrates the value of the cooperative difference: collaboration and innovation. CoServ’s experience will help co-ops nationwide find and develop solar solutions that benefit their consumer-members,” said Jim Spiers, NRECA’s vice-president for business and technology strategies.

NRECA has developed modular PV system packages consisting of standardized, optimized and scalable technical designs for 250 kW, 500 kW and 1 MW systems. Fourteen co-ops nationwide are participating in NRECA’s Solar Utility Network Deployment Acceleration (SUNDA) project, developing solar arrays in 14 states using the new designs and models.

NRECA’s SUNDA partners also include the National Rural Utility Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC), Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange, PowerSecure International, Inc. (NYSE: POWR).

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA.) – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced today that listing the greater sage grouse as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act is “not warranted.” The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) greeted the announcement with relief. Much of the bird’s habitat lies within the service territory of rural electric cooperatives; co-ops have been actively engaged in state initiatives to develop conservation plans that would make a federal listing unnecessary.

“Sixty rural electric co-ops have sage grouse habitat within their service territory. We believe the Fish and Wildlife Service made the right call by leaving the sage grouse off the list of threatened species,” said Kirk Johnson, senior vice president of governmental affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). “This decision is a win for partnership, pragmatism and plumage.”

“Electric co-ops played a key role in developing state plans that are appropriate, flexible and workable, and we will continue to play an active role in conservation efforts for protecting this unique native species.

“NRECA interprets the FWS decision as an endorsement of the pro-active, collaborative approach to protecting the sage grouse spearheaded by the Western Governors Association. NRECA commends the WGA for its efforts to develop strong state management plans that will help protect the sage grouse and allow responsible economic activity, including power line development and maintenance, to continue.”

Eleven western states have sage grouse habitat: California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA) — Nineteen summer interns at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) are wrapping up a project examining the feasibility of siting electricity-generating solar panels on NRECA-owned buildings in Lincoln, Neb., and Arlington, Va. The team designed a 17.4 kWp solar array, developed financing models, identified regulatory hurdles and incentives, and designed a communications plan.

“This cross-departmental collaboration among interns is a first for NRECA,” said NRECA CEO Jo Ann Emerson. “Not only does this project provide more meaningful participation in the work of the association, it teaches valuable project management and coordination skills. And in return, NRECA gains insight into our next-generation workforce.”

“The interns used tools and materials NRECA created for member cooperatives developing solar energy projects,” said Jim Spiers, vice president of business and technology strategies at NRECA, whose team conceived the project. “Their experience will help us refine those tools and make them more useful to our members deploying solar projects.”

The interns worked in technical, financial, regulatory and communications teams to research and outline a plan for the project. They weighed the costs and benefits of solar models and financing options that NRECA developed for its member co-ops through the Department of Energy SunShot Initiative.

“When you go into an internship, you want to get as much out of it as you can,” said NRECA intern Kristen Laubscher. “This project gave me hands-on experience in what I’ve been researching and learning about.”

NRECA technical research analyst T.J. Kirk, a former NRECA intern, served as project manager for the summer solar project. “The interns drove this project,” said Kirk.  “I’ve just been sitting in the back seat watching the meetings happen and the plans get developed, all entirely by the interns.”

With summer drawing to a close and many interns heading back to college, their work will provide a foundation of research for senior leadership in deciding whether or not to greenlight the solar array.

Either way, it’s a win.

“The project is the cake and the solar panels are the icing,” Spiers said. “If we install the panels, it’s wonderful. If we don’t, we will have learned immensely from it.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA) — National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jo Ann Emerson welcomed U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Corker and Ranking Member Ben Cardin introducing the Electrify Africa Act.

“Electric co-ops have proudly expanded electricity access to rural communities in other countries for 50 years, and the Electrify Africa Act continues that tradition. This bill would help reach 50 million people in Africa by 2020, bringing electricity to many areas of sub-Saharan Africa for the first time,” Emerson said. “Not only will we help these men, women and children step out of subsistence living, but it also offers them a better quality of life with better healthcare, improved education, safer streets and economic growth.”

NRECA’s international affiliate—NRECA International – has been working in developing countries since 1962. Its global commitment has helped provide electricity to more than 110 million people in 43 countries.is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA.) – At 3:30 p.m. today, join the CEOs of four generation and transmission cooperatives for a teleconference about the Environmental Protection Agency’s final rule regulating greenhouse gas emissions at U.S. power plants.

Member-owned, not-for-profit cooperatives provide electricity to consumer-members in 47 states. The rule will have a disproportionate impact on co-ops and the rural communities they serve. These co-op CEOs will provide insight on how the rule could affect their businesses and the people their co-ops serve.

Visit http://www.nreca.coop/111d for interactive maps that demonstrate the disproportionate and harmful impact the rule will have on rural communities.

Who:
Patrick Ledger, CEO, Arizona Electric Power Cooperative
Lisa Johnson, CEO/General Manager, Seminole Electric Cooperative
Mel Coleman, Board President, NRECA Board of Directors and CEO, North Arkansas
Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Duane Highley, CEO/General Manager of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Corporation
Stuart Lowery, President and CEO, Sunflower Electric Power Corporation

When:
Monday, August 03, 2015, 3:30 p.m. EDT

Instructions for joining the press call:

• Dial 1-844-248-8041 and you will be placed directly into conference.
• If you need technical assistance, you may press *0 to alert an operator or send an email to NRECA@commpartners.com

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA) —National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jo Ann Emerson made the following statement about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rules regulating greenhouse gas emissions from new, existing, modified and reconstructed power plants.

“Any increase in the cost of electricity most dramatically impacts those who can least afford it, and the fallout from the EPA’s rule will cascade across the nation for years to come.

“While we appreciate the efforts intended to help offset the financial burden of rising electricity prices and jobs lost due to prematurely shuttered power plants, the final rule still appears to reflect the fundamental flaws of the original proposal.  It exceeds the EPA’s legal authority under the Clean Air Act, and it will raise electricity rates for our country’s most vulnerable populations while challenging the reliability of the grid.

“We will continue reviewing this extremely complex rule and have additional comments on behalf of America’s not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives in the coming days.”

NRECA recently commissioned a study that underscores the devastating relationship between higher electricity prices and job losses. The study, Affordable Electricity: Rural America’s Economic Lifeline, measures the impact of a 10 and 25 percent electricity price increase on jobs and gross domestic product (GDP) from 2020 to 2040.

Even a 10 percent increase in electricity prices results in 1.2 million jobs lost in 2021 across the country with nearly 500,000 of those lost jobs in rural communities. And 20 years later, the economy fails to fully recover.

For more information and an interactive map, visit  http://www.nreca.coop/111d.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

July 28, 2015

Dear Member of Congress:

The National Coalition on Benefits (NCB) urges Congress to repeal the Affordable Care Act’s 40 percent excise tax on health care benefits. NCB’s member organizations, which include the many employer trade associations, strongly support the current bipartisan efforts in Congress to eliminate this tax, including H.R. 2050, the “Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act,” sponsored by Rep. Joe Courtney [D-CT-2] and H.R. 879, the “Ax the Tax on Middle Class Americans Health Plans Act,” sponsored by Rep. Frank Guinta [R-NH-1]. Combined, these bills have over 200 co-sponsors – with many Republicans and Democrats.

The excise tax was originally presented as a “Cadillac Tax” on a small number of high cost health plans.¹ Recent projections, however, show that the number of health plans affected by the tax will be far greater. In fact, we believe that as much as a third of the health insurance market will be hit by the tax in 2018, the first year it is imposed. This percentage will increase steadily thereafter, due to medical inflation and despite efforts by employers and plans to control costs, undermining the foundations of employer-sponsored coverage currently enjoyed by over 150 million Americans.

Congress must repeal the health care excise tax; failing to do so will lead to predictable results, such as forcing employers to cut benefits or alter wellness and disease prevention programs for many American workers and their families. Furthermore, the inequitable nature of the tax means that the challenges faced by employers will be the greatest in high cost areas of the country, where medical services are more expensive. Inevitably, employers who cannot adjust benefits below the tax thresholds will have no choice but to drop or significantly reduce coverage for their employees.

As representatives of employers of every size and sector, we urge Congress to take quick action to repeal the harmful excise tax on health care benefits and support Congressional efforts, such as those led by Representatives Courtney and Guinta.

Sincerely,

National Coalition on Benefits Steering Committee Association Members
American Benefits Council
Business Roundtable
Corporate Health Care Coalition
The ERISA Industry Committee
HR Policy Association
National Association of Manufacturers
National Business Group on Health
National Retail Federation
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Retail Industry Leaders Association
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

¹ Plans whose costs exceed $10,200 for individuals and $27,500 for families.

Cooperative leaders meet with White House and Rural Utilities Service officials on renewable energy programs July 24. (Photo By: Kirk Johnson)

(ARLINGTON, VA.) — National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jo Ann Emerson joined co-op leaders and officials from the White House Rural Council and the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) today to discuss recent progress and potential collaboration on efficiency and renewable energy development.

“We had a productive conversation about how we can maximize the value of current federal programs and find creative opportunities to extend the benefits of new efficiency and renewable energy technologies to co-op consumers,” said Jo Ann Emerson.

“At Roanoke Electric Cooperative, we have leveraged RUS loan programs to help our members reduce their energy use,” said Curtis Wynn, CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative in North Carolina. “The long-standing partnership between co-ops and the RUS enables us to better serve our members through improving their quality of life. I believe this conversation paves the way for more collaboration.”

Co-ops have been aggressively adding renewable energy capacity to the rural electric grid.  The nation’s more than 900 co-ops own or purchase about 16.5 GW of renewable capacity and plan to add 2 GW of capacity in the near future.

Co-op development of community solar has surged: co-ops have developed 43 community solar arrays and are planning another 35 projects in a total of 24 states.

Participants will discuss, among other topics, the Rural Utilities Service Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program (EECLP), a program offering loans to finance energy efficiency and conservation projects for commercial, industrial, and residential consumers. Under this program, co-ops can re-lend the money to members to develop new and diverse energy service products within their service territories.

Many co-ops view maximizing co-op and end-user efficiency as a key component in a broader strategy to meeting the challenges of growing electricity demand and rising costs. According to NRECA research, 82 percent of cooperatives offer energy efficiency programs to their members. More specifically,

• 67 percent offer residential energy audits;
• 42 percent provide energy usage data online; and
• 39 percent offer weatherization and conservation services.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA.) — National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jo Ann Emerson thanked Rep. David McKinley for his leadership on the Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015, which passed the House today.

“We appreciate Congressman McKinley’s leadership in bringing this bill to the House floor. This bipartisan approach will solidify the non-hazardous designation and enable reliable state implementation and enforcement. The state permits authorized by this bill fully protect groundwater and the environment while minimizing needless litigation,” said Emerson. “It also offers a predictable business environment for the safe and effective reuse of materials that can help strengthen our national roadways and other infrastructure.”

Through state permits the legislation implements the standards for safe disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) finalized last year by the Environmental Protection Agency and codifies the designation of CCR as non-hazardous. It also prevents the EPA from revisiting the question of whether CCR is non-hazardous every three years, creating a certainty that encourages continued beneficial reuse of the material.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA) —National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jo Ann Emerson made the following statement on the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations passing the Agriculture Appropriations bill.

“Electric co-ops appreciate the hard work of Senators Jerry Moran and Jeff Merkley for their steadfast support of the Rural Utilities Service and additional funding for the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program. These are critical tools that help keep rural communities strong,” said Emerson.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA) – The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) announced that its international affiliate—NRECA International—has contracted with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Energy to prepare a transmission and distribution investment plan that will be used by the Government of Sierra Leone to expand reliable electricity services to its capital Freetown and surrounding areas. Funded by the World Bank, this project will ultimately support a larger expansion plan that will serve the capital and the entire country.

“Currently, less than 10 percent of the national population has access to electricity,” said Dan Waddle, senior vice president for NRECA International. “Like many of its neighbors, the people of Sierra Leone will benefit greatly from having a reliable source of electricity to help them advance socially and economically. We look forward to helping the government with a clear path toward expanding access to electricity in the rural communities.”

Due in large part to the decade-long civil war which ended in 2001 and the recent Ebola outbreak, Sierra Leone lags behind neighboring countries in developing the necessary transmission-distribution infrastructure for growth in industry, commerce and agriculture. To address this, the NRECA International’s project team based in Freetown will evaluate power generation and distribution systems serving the capital, complemented by a more extensive country-wide analysis which will evaluate power expansion options. The outcome of this nine-month effort will serve as a guide for the government to undertake future grid development activities for the next 15 years.

NRECA is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states. NRECA’s international affiliate—NRECA International – has been working in developing countries since 1962. Its global commitment has helped provide electricity to more than 110 million people in 43 countries.

(ARLINGTON, VA.) The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) today announced the names of five students receiving Glenn English Scholarships this year, including the $10,000 scholarship awarded to the top student. The awards go to students who have shown a commitment to the Seven Cooperative Principles.

• Hayden Hefner ($10,000), a junior at the University of Oklahoma (Oklahoma Electric Cooperative in Oklahoma)
• Justin Korth ($1,000), a sophomore at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (Cedar-Knox Public Power District in Nebraska)
• Jordan Geisert ($1,000), a sophomore at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (Midwest Electric Cooperative in Nebraska)
• Sarah Hempen ($1,000), a junior at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Monroe County Electric Cooperative in Illinois)
• Samantha Rhodes($1,000), a junior at the University of Toledo in Ohio (Kosciusko REMC in Indiana)

“I am truly humbled by the generosity of the Glenn English Scholarship Foundation,” said Hayden Hefner, recipient of the $10,000 scholarship. “Receiving this scholarship will allow me to finish my degree and pursue my goal of attending seminary after graduation.”

All winning applicants participated in NRECA’s Youth Tour, are full-time students and have completed one year of study at their respective institutions. Full eligibility details are available on NRECA.coop.

NRECA evaluated applicants on their GPA, internships, extra-curricular activities, leadership and involvement in cooperative programs.

A tireless consumer advocate and former CEO of NRECA, Glenn English has spent his career championing the cooperative business model and fighting to improve the quality of life for all Americans.

Cooperatives around the world operate according to a core set of principles. The following seven principles, along with the cooperative purpose of improving quality of life for their members, make electric cooperatives different from other electric utilities:

• Voluntary and open membership
• Democratic member control
• Members’ economic participation
• Autonomy and independence
• Education, training and information
• Cooperation among cooperatives
• Concern for community

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

June 29, 2015

Dear Senators and Representatives:

On behalf of the National Coalition on Benefits, we want to express our grave concern about the 40 percent excise tax on health care benefits. The National Coalition on Benefits (“NCB”) includes major employer trade associations representing large and small employers. NCB also includes many large employers with employees in all fifty states (see www.coalitiononbenefits.org). We are united in our apprehension that the Affordable Care Act’s 40 percent excise tax will undermine the innovative employer-sponsored health care coverage that over 150 million Americans enjoy. Certainly, at the very least, this provision will increase the cost of health care coverage, unintentionally encourage significant benefit design changes, discourage efforts to promote wellness, prevention, and diminish the ability for America’s employees to pay for out-of-pocket costs.

We are writing to you as organizations on behalf of employers and their employees to urge you to take action on the Affordable Care Act provision that places a 40 percent tax on employee health benefits whose costs exceed a specified threshold ($10,200 for individual; $27,500 for family coverage). As employers and employees face changes to their benefit structure, some health benefit plans may not be able to adjust below this threshold.

While early projections predicted that few plans would exceed this threshold, we now believe that as many as 25 percent of all employer sponsored plans will be affected when this provision is implemented in 2018. In several years, even more plans will be required to pay the tax – despite changes to the benefit structures to try to reduce the overall costs. In certain high cost areas of the country, these changes will be the most challenging.

We need Congress to take action now to repeal this provision or direct the Administration to radically change the way it is implemented. The regulatory notice issued earlier this year was confusing, and suggests implementation of the provision will undermine all efforts to promote wellness and the prevention of diseases. The Notice suggests interpreting the provision’s statutory language in such a stringent and complex matter that it will fail to permit necessary flexibility.

We urge you to act quickly to repeal the 40 percent excise tax and protect employer-sponsored health coverage.

Sincerely,

National Coalition on Benefits

cc: Members of the United States Congress

June 25, 2015

Dear Senators and Representatives:

We are writing as a group of organizations and businesses that employ millions of workers in all segments of the U.S. economy to bring to your attention an issue that is threatening the employer-sponsored health care system and the health care coverage of over 150 million Americans across the United States.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes a 40 percent non-deductible excise tax (also known as the “Cadillac Tax”) on the value of employer-sponsored health coverage that exceeds certain benefit thresholds – initially, $10,200 for self-only coverage and $27,500 for family coverage beginning in 2018.

While this tax was supposed to be levied on only a small number of “Cadillac plans,” current projections, as well as our actual experience with health care costs, show that this 40 percent tax will affect the health plans of all types of employers and a wide range of workers, including low- and moderate-income families, retirees, as well as the self-employed.

The 40 percent tax, which is complicated to calculate and administer, is a broadbased tax on health benefits and applies not only to insurance premiums but also to contributions to health savings accounts and flexible spending arrangements, on-site wellness clinics, certain wellness plans and other pre-tax health benefits. While the tax is not payable until 2018, employers are already changing plans and designing benefits to avoid being hit by this onerous tax.

On behalf of our member businesses, we urge you to take quick action to protect the employer-sponsored health care of millions of workers by repealing this tax.

Sincerely,

American Benefits Council
American Staffing Association
Associated General Contractors
Corporate Health Care Coalition
Food Marketing Institute
HR Policy Association
National Association of Convenience Stores
National Association of Manufacturers
National Association of Wholesaler Distributors
National Business Group on Health
National Grocers Association
National Retail Federation
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Retail Industry Leaders Association
Society for Human Resource Management
Society of American Florists
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
WorldatWork

cc:

The Honorable John A. Boehner, Speaker of the House
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader
The Honorable Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader
The Honorable Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader
All Members of the 114th Congress

For co-ops with 50 or more full-time employees/equivalents

This webinar looked specifically at how the new ACA tax reporting requirements will affect co-ops with 50 or more full-time and/or full-time equivalent employees. Seth Peretta and Malcolm Slee of the Groom Law Group broke down the requirements into straightforward terms and reviewed practical scenarios on when and how each tax form will need to be completed. Questions from benefits administrators were taken at the end of the webinar.

For co-ops with fewer than 50 full-time employees/equivalents

This webinar looked specifically at how the new ACA tax reporting requirements will affect co-ops with fewer than 50 full-time and/or full-time employees/equivalents. Seth Peretta and Malcolm Slee of the Groom Law Group broke down the requirement into straightforward terms and reviewed practical scenarios on when and how each tax form will need to be completed. Questions from benefits administrators were taken at the end of the webinar.

(ARLINGTON, Va.) – National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jo Ann Emerson today expressed appreciation for the House passage of S. 535, the “Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015.” This long-awaited bill is vital to more than 250 co-ops utilizing large-capacity electric resistance water heaters (ERWH) for demand-response programs. Collectively, the co-op programs can reduce demand by an estimated 500 megawatts, saving consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.

“Electric co-ops across the country appreciate the incredible perseverance of Senators Portman, Shaheen, and many others for their leadership in passing S. 535,” said Emerson. “The bill helps save consumers money, promotes reliability of the grid, and helps integrate renewable energy – truly a win-win-win piece of legislation.”

The Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015 establishes a new efficiency standard that applies to large-capacity waters deployed in demand response programs. A separate Department of Energy water heater efficiency standard went into effect on April 16, 2015.

NRECA publicly thanks Majority Leader McCarthy, Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Upton, Ranking Member Pallone, Reps. Clyburn, Rush, Welch, Whitfield and many others who provided leadership in getting this bill across the finish line. NRECA also thanks Senators Portman, Shaheen, Hoeven, Klobuchar, Murkowski and Cantwell for shepherding this bill through the Senate.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, VA.) — The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is calling on the U.S. House of Representatives to pass S. 535, the “Energy Efficient Improvement Act of 2015,” scheduled for a vote on Tuesday, April 21. This long-awaited bill, which passed unanimously in the Senate, is critical to more than 250 co-ops that use large-capacity electric resistance water heaters (ERWH) for demand-response programs. Collectively, the co-op programs can reduce demand by an estimated 500 megawatts saving consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.

NRECA CEO Jo Ann Emerson made the following appeal:

“We deeply appreciate the House placing this important energy efficiency legislation on the calendar for next week and urge all members to support it. More than 250 co-ops in 35 states utilize large-capacity electric resistance water heaters to reduce demand by an estimated 500 megawatts and save consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, Va.) — The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) joined more than 50 organizations and companies in calling on the U.S. House of Representatives to pass S. 535, the “Energy Efficient Improvement Act of 2015,” when Congress returns after the recess. This long-awaited bill, which passed unanimously in the Senate, is critical to more than 250 co-ops that use large-capacity electric resistance water heaters (ERWH) for demand-response programs. Collectively, the co-op programs can reduce demand by an estimated 500 megawatts saving consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.

“The diversity of stakeholders signing this letter indicates broad support for this common sense efficiency measure. Electric co-ops have long advocated for this legislation because they believe its pragmatic, proven approach to efficiency will both help reduce demand for expensive peak energy and harness power generated from renewable sources,” said NRECA CEO Jo Ann Emerson. “We urge the House, which passed this bill for the first time more than a year ago, to do so again without delay.”

Electric co-ops urge the House to act quickly on this bill. On April 16 new Department of Energy standards go into effect, banning the manufacture of these large-capacity ERWH. The Senate passed this bill unanimously on March 27, 2015.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

(ARLINGTON, Va.) — America’s electric cooperatives today expressed appreciation for the Senate passage of the S. 535, the “Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015.” This long-awaited bill is critical to more than 250 co-ops that use large-capacity electric resistance water heaters (ERWH) for demand-response programs. Collectively, the co-op programs can reduce demand by an estimated 500 megawatts saving consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.

“This legislation is a huge win for co-ops across the country and the consumers-members they serve. The bill’s pragmatic, proven approach to efficiency will both help reduce demand for expensive peak energy and harness power generated from renewable sources,” said National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jo Ann Emerson. “The bill allows co-ops to continue these successful programs that can store energy even as they help consumers save on their monthly electric bills.”

Electric co-ops urge the House to act quickly on this bill. On April 16 new Department of Energy standards go into effect, banning the manufacture of large-capacity ERWH.

NRECA publicly thanks the bipartisan group of Senate leaders who persistently fought for this legislation. Included in that long list are U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), as well as John Hoeven (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). NRECA also thanks Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

This webinar, featuring Seth Perretta and Malcolm Slee of the Groom Law Group, explored the various Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax reporting responsibilities of cooperatives of all sizes beginning with the 2015 tax year (to be filed in 2016) for individuals in eligible employer-provided medical coverage. The speakers walked through the initial versions of the tax forms 1094 and 1095 B and C that will be used for these filings. NRECA shared its plans to help co-ops in NRECA medical plans with the data they will need to complete the forms.

This webinar covered how cooperatives can determine if the Affordable Care Act’s “pay-or-play” employer mandate applies to their co-op and what they need to do—and when—depending upon their co-op’s situation.

Since debuting in 2009, Touchstone Energy’s® Together We Save website has focused on helping electric cooperative members make easy improvements, such as compact fluorescents and Energy Star appliances. It’s been a success, but after five years, Touchstone Energy came to a realization.

“We really needed something for those folks who are ready to go to the next step,” said Alan Shedd, director, residential and commercial energy programs. “That’s why we’ve created the new Home Efficiency Analysis tool.”

While the original Energy Savings Home Tour is still available, “The Home Efficiency Analysis tool typically gets into more detail—they’re projects you’re going to have to spend a little more time and money on,” Shedd said. “It’s everything from insulating and air sealing, to sealing duct work, to information on water heating.”

To get started, the interactive tool “asks you questions about your house—things like where do you live, the size of the home, the style of construction,” Shedd explained. “Once you’ve provided that information, it gives you access to a series of what we call ‘recipe cards.’”

Food recipes tell you how complicated they are, what to buy, how to combine ingredients, and what the finished product should look like. “These cards basically follow the same approach,” Shedd said. “You might print out one of these sheets and take it with you to the home improvement store so you know what materials to get.”

The single page, two-sided information sheets offer a wealth of information, including a guide for consumers on whether a project is truly for do-it-yourselfers or if you need a pro.

“There’s also a way for co-ops to use these ‘recipe cards’ as part of a walk-through audit,” Shedd said. A co-op energy adviser auditing a member’s home can leave the cards behind as handy reminders.

And, Shedd added, this opens a new channel for marketing a co-op’s services: “This is a good opportunity for co-ops to tie in to rebates and other programs that they may already have in place.”

(ARLINGTON, Va.) — Jo Ann Emerson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), today congratulated the Senate on passing the Farm Bill, which now heads to the President for his signature.

“Electric cooperatives appreciate the hard work, long hours and many difficult compromises that were necessary to pass a final bill. Cooperatives serve 93 percent of the nation’s “persistent poverty counties” and see first-hand the need for the rural economic development programs contained in this bill.

“In addition, not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperatives look forward to partnering with the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to implement meaningful improvements to the electric loan program. In particular, at a time when the economy continues to struggle in rural areas, the Farm Bill’s RUS provisions expand cooperatives’ ability to make low-interest efficiency loans to consumer-members to help reduce their energy costs and consumption. The positive impact of this bill will be lasting and significant,” said Emerson.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.