Ways of Engaging Elected Officials to Impact Energy Policies

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We are pleased to announce an exciting new direction for NRECA’s political action committee (PAC). After thorough stakeholder research and evaluation, NRECA will now pursue its longstanding political action mission under a new name and visual identity that align more closely to the people and organizations it represents.

By aligning the PAC closely with electric co-ops and NRECA, we are confident this change will provide significant value to NRECA members and PAC donors as part of our work advocating for the interests of your electric co-ops. As NRECA begins a new chapter in its advocacy journey, the PAC remains dedicated to the enduring mission of supporting candidates at the federal level who will speak for and protect the interests of electric co-ops and their members.

Founded in 1966, America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC (formerly ACRE®) is the federal political action committee (PAC) of the nation’s electric co-ops. NRECA’s PAC supports political candidates who will speak for and protect the interests of electric co-ops and their members. Backed by over 35,000 individuals making an average contribution of $65, the PAC is truly grassroots.

VCP – Voices for Cooperative Power

In May, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) released its 2023 Summer Reliability Assessment, finding our country at greater risk of energy shortfalls, especially during times of higher electricity demand.

At the same time, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new proposal focused on emissions from new and existing power plants. This burdensome proposal could disrupt domestic energy security, force critical always-available power plants into early retirement and make new natural gas plants exceedingly difficult to permit, site and build.

This proposal reduces key generating resources just as Americans are increasing their reliance on electricity, by using new technologies like clean hydrogen and carbon capture and storage, which are promising but not yet viable for widespread use.

The EPA must recognize the disruptive impact these requirements will have on the future of reliable energy before it’s too late.

What can you do? Take action and tell the EPA that reliable and affordable energy is essential for electric cooperative communities.

Members of Voices for Cooperative Power (VCP) work together to influence elected officials as they make important federal and state policy decisions that impact electric co-ops and their members. Our experiences and the ways we use energy are unique. VCP members come together to communicate this perspective and protect the ability of our co-ops to deliver affordable, reliable services to our communities. Sign up today for regular updates and find out how you can get involved.

Co-ops Vote

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Did You Know? URE is a 5-Star Co-op

A 5-star co-op:

Encourages their members to learn about federal, state, and local elections and helps make sure they are registered to vote.
Empowers members to make independent, educated decisions about voting for the future of their cooperative and community.
Engages with their elected officials by inviting them to visit the cooperative and meet with their co-op’s members.
Develops a political game plan to advance and advocate for issues on behalf of their electric cooperative.

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Rural America Infrastructure

Rural America needs more than roads and bridges when it comes to infrastructure. The National Rural Cooperative Association (NRECA) is working to remind policymakers about the broader infrastructure needs of rural America and the importance of reliable power.

Co-ops Have Three Major Infrastructure Priorities

Any infrastructure package should recognize the need to maintain and enhance the rural electric grid, which powers 42 million Americans.
Electric co-ops are also working to ensure more timely permitting decisions to expedite and reduce the costs of critical infrastructure projects. Regulatory review timelines for infrastructure can stretch on for years. These delays present reliability problems, strain existing infrastructure and can force electric co-ops to take drastic measures to keep the lights on.
Rural broadband deployment also must be an infrastructure priority. Broadband access is limited across much of the nation’s rural landscape but is a key ingredient to a healthy 21st-century rural economy. Electric co-ops are working to expand rural broadband access and look forward to working with other stakeholders to close the digital divide.