The Power of Political Engagement
Families of Citizens Electric expect the lights to stay on at a cost they can afford. But with the demand for electricity skyrocketing and the supply of always-available power sources at risk, the need for smart energy policies that bolster reliability and affordability are more critical than ever before.
As your electric provider, Citizens Electric Corporation is committed to reliably powering our local communities. Beyond routine maintenance and updates that improve the reliability of the grid, we work in other ways to ensure our members’ needs are addressed. One of the ways we do this is through proactively engaging elected officials to ensure our members are well represented at the state level and in Washington, D.C.
The week of April 28th, thousands of electric cooperative leaders from across the country, including Missouri, traveled to Washington, D.C. for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Legislative Conference.
As we met with elected officials on Capitol Hill, we discussed key energy issues and priorities that impact our members back home.
Jason Cates, Citizens Electric Chief Executive Officer, focused on telling the unique story of how electric cooperatives in Missouri and across the nation are ensuring reliable and affordable power for our communities through a diverse supply of energy resources to meet the growing demand for electricity.
As we met with members of Congress, topics around the need to improve environmental permitting processes to cut costly and burdensome regulations––like the EPA Power Plant Rule––accelerate deployment and maintenance of essential electric infrastructure.
An additional focal point of our discussions with policymakers included ensuring federal programs and resources remain available that support electric cooperatives as we invest to meet the unique needs of our communities. This includes tools such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service electric loan program, the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) annual funding, and Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD).
While there is much work to be done, we are encouraged to see recent actions addressing many of these issues. While you may not consider it on a daily basis, electricity is essential and underpins nearly every aspect of modern life. Understanding today's evolving energy landscape is important as it shapes how electricity is produced, delivered and consumed.
Advocating for reliable, affordable power on behalf of Citizens Electric’s member-owners is a critical part of our commitment to you.