Co-ops urge grassroots support for affordable electricity

Electric cooperatives across the country, including GreyStone Power Corporation, are urging policymakers to keep electricity affordable. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) recently released a video to give a voice to the nation’s 900-plus electric cooperatives and their 42 million members that oppose the President’s climate proposal using the Clean Air Act to regulate carbon dioxide during a fragile economic recovery.

The new video, called “Powering the American Spirit,” aims to build grassroots support for clean, affordable energy. The National Rural Elec­tric Cooperative Association (NRECA) recently launched www.action.coop to showcase the video and encourage members to sign up for alerts.

“Rural communities have a great story to tell about how they are innovating, using new technologies and leading in energy efficiency. It’s our responsibility to communicate the importance of affordable energy to the communities cooperatives serve and tell their story on how we are pursuing our energy future,” said Jo Ann Emerson, CEO of NRECA. “The next few months are a critical time to unite behind that message and let policymakers know where we stand on the issues, as well as how important affordable energy is to us and the American economy.”

According to a study con­ducted by NERA Economic Consulting for the National Association of Manu­facturers, implementation of the Obama plan will increase costs for electricity, natural gas, gasoline and other energy commodities. “This is bad news for families struggling to get by in these hard eco­nomic times—with the national unem­ployment just under 8 percent—as well as for manufacturers, which consume one-third of the nation’s energy supply. Many Georgia companies competing for dollars on the international market will be disadvantaged when foreign competitors operate without simi­lar costs, which could lead to higher unemployment,” said GreyStone Power President/CEO Gary Miller.

NRECA’s video is the first action in a coordinated campaign that underscores the dramatic impact new regulations could have on much of the country’s electric generation and calls on members to join the united campaign.

Learn more about keeping electricity reliable and affordable at www.ourenergy.coop. This website includes information about new regulations that could affect electricity prices.

GreyStone Power serves more than 106,500 members in portions of eight counties, including Paulding, Douglas, Fulton, Cobb, Carroll, Bartow, Fayette and Coweta counties. Learn more at www.greystonepower.com.