We Are America’s Electric Cooperatives
From booming suburbs to rural farming communities, America’s electric cooperatives are energy providers and engines of economic growth
for 42 million Americans.
Smart Energy Policy Keeps the Lights On
American families and businesses expect the lights to stay on at a cost they can afford. But that’s no longer a guarantee. Over the next five years, 19 states from Montana to Louisiana are at high risk of rolling blackouts during normal peak conditions.
- U.S. power demand will reach record highs in 2024 and 2025, increasing by 2.5% and 3.2% respectively.
- Peak electricity demand is projected to grow by 38 gigawatts over the next five years – the equivalent of adding another California to the grid.
The stakes are too high to get this wrong. As electricity demand grows and supply fails to keep up, bad public policy is making the problem worse. That’s why America’s electric co-ops are fighting for smarter energy policies that prioritize reliability and affordability for all.
• NRECA Urges Trump to Back Pro-Energy Policies That Support Co-ops
• NERC: Extreme Winter Weather Could Cause Energy Shortfalls in Much of U.S.
• Co-ops to FERC: Diverse Portfolio Key to Reliable, Affordable Power
• Grid Operators Echo NRECA Reliability Concerns Over EPA Power Plant Rule
• NRECA Fights Latest Attempt to Breach Lower Snake River Dams
Spotlight Feature:
Critical Reliability Challenges
Over half of North America is at risk of energy shortfalls in the next 10 years amid surging electricity demand and thermal plant retirements, according to a new NERC report.
Leaders
in Rural Broadband
Millions of rural American families and businesses are stuck on the wrong side of the digital divide. And where no one else will provide the service, electric co-ops have found a way. Motivated by people, not profits, and the needs of their communities, electric co-ops are making rural broadband a reality.
• Arkansas Co-ops Build Fiber Broadband Access to 1.4 Million Residents
• Oklahoma Co-op Tests 50-Gig Broadband at Sac and Fox Nation Home
• Broadband Partnership ‘Sterling Example’ of Sixth Co-op Principle
• Oklahoma Co-op Wins National Award for Broadband Service
• Alabama Co-op Middle-Mile Network Celebrates First Customer
• Electric Co-op Offers Free Wi-Fi to First Responders
• Co-ops Band Together to Build Statewide and Regional Middle Mile Networks
Spotlight Feature: Community Impact
JCE Co-op's reliable, affordable high-speed internet access has been a boon for its Illinois territory, improving residents' quality of life and ushering in a wave of new homeowners and businesses.
Powering Stronger Communities
Electric co-ops are built by, and belong to, the communities they serve. As we innovate to meet tomorrow’s energy needs, that focus on people instead of profits will lead to stronger rural communities.
• Georgia EMC Program Builds Leaders, Boosts Communities
• Kentucky Co-ops Host ‘Electric-U’ for State Lawmakers
• Georgia Co-op’s STEM Day Promotes Energy Careers for High Schoolers
• Co-ops Support Murals and Other Public Art to Spur Rural Restoration
• New Report: Electric Co-ops Are ‘Powerful Engines of Economic Development’
• Co-op ‘Horsepower’ Is Helping Close Rural Housing Gaps
• Pennsylvania Co-op’s Initiative Helps Revitalize Its Communities
• S.C. Co-op Opens Channels to Its Growing Hispanic Community
Spotlight Feature: Powering Navajo Nation
Volunteers from 16 electric co-ops in five states traveled to Navajo Nation last summer to help bring electricity to at least 200 homes as part of an initiative to improve the lives of Americans in remote tribal areas.
Building the Grid of the Future
America’s electric cooperatives are innovating to meet tomorrow’s energy needs. From advancing the world’s largest carbon capture project to bundling solar energy and battery storage, co-ops are transforming the electric sector. As we work to meet tomorrow’s energy needs, smart investment in the future of their communities is key.
• Two Midwest Co-ops Win $1.3 Billion for Nuclear Plant Restart
• New PACE Loans Boost Solar Projects for Two Co-ops
• Electric Co-ops Win $7.3 Billion in New ERA Funding for Clean Energy
• Nevada Co-op Receives PACE Loan for Solar, Storage Systems
• Co-op Energy Storage Projects Get Boost From New PACE Awards
• Ag Secretary Announces $81 Million for Colorado Co-ops’ Solar Projects
• Co-ops Tapped to Negotiate DOE Grants for Clean Energy, Grid Projects
• Co-op Consortium Selected for $45M in DOE Funding for Microgrids
• Co-ops Make Early Moves to Accommodate Commercial EV Fleet Needs
Spotlight Feature:
Co-op Innovation
As the electric industry grows more complex, co-ops are leading with creative, local solutions driven by new technologies, new customer demands and billions in federal and state loans and grants.
