Speaking up for co-ops
Educating policymakers on highly technical energy issues
This issue of Kentucky Living again asks local cooperative CEOs across the state to share their insights into the future of electricity. I have spent my entire career thinking about that very question.
I started my career as an electrical engineer solving technical problems for one of the electric cooperatives in Kentucky. I would go on to lead a cooperative near the place I grew up in eastern Kentucky. Now, I work to help cooperatives across the state and country continue to provide safe, affordable and reliable energy.
Part of my job is to communicate the issues facing electric cooperatives to policymakers in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C.
I don’t envy the challenges faced by our elected leaders and administrators. The energy field in particular includes highly technical terminology and voluminous regulations. Unfortunately, some entities take advantage of this complicated environment to push agendas that threaten Kentucky’s electric cooperative model.
That’s why it’s important that we recognize the leaders who carefully research the facts and act in the best interests of rural electric co-op members.
This month, I hope you will join me in saluting the state legislators who stood by you during contentious debate and meaningful votes.
Our Co-ops Vote initiative encourages co-op members to let their voices be heard at the ballot box. Let’s not forget those elected leaders who speak up for co-ops when they cast their votes, as well.
