Sunflower News Archive
Richard Jennison new to Sunflower Electric Power Corp. Board of Directors
Hays, Kan.—Aug. 30, 2023— Sunflower Electric Power Corp. seated Richard Jennison as one of its 12 directors on August 16, 2023. Jennison succeeds Paul Seib as a Sunflower board representative for Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Dighton, Kan. Seib recently retired after serving 44 years on the Sunflower Board of Directors. Each of Sunflower’s six member … [Read More]
New Community Solar Program Goes Live at Pioneer
Going solar has never been easier! Pioneer Electric Cooperative created a bright burst of excitement with its consumer-members at a June 2 launch event to become the first of Sunflower’s member-utilities to implement the Community Solar subscription program. In March 2023, the Sunflower Board of Directors approved amendments to the Renewable Energy Rider to incorporate … [Read More]
Sunflower Electric Power Corp. appoints interim president, CEO
Steve Epperson to lead Sunflower during national search Hays, Kan.—July 20, 2023—The Sunflower Electric Power Corp. Board of Directors has appointed Steve Epperson as interim president and CEO, effective immediately. Epperson will replace Todd Hillman, who served as Sunflower’s president and CEO since January. “We want to thank Todd for his service to Sunflower, … [Read More]
2023 Summer Grid Reliability: adequate resources on normal peaking days, concern on above-normal days
As a wholesale generation and transmission provider, Sunflower coordinates with three important entities to assess the electric grid's regional and national seasonal readiness: the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). FERC, an independent agency of the United States … [Read More]
Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announces second solar project
Diversification of electric generation resources continues with more renewable energy Hays, Kan.—June 22, 2023—Sunflower Electric Power Corp. will develop, own and operate a 20-megawatt solar energy project near Russell, Kan. In January 2022, Sunflower announced its plans to add a second solar facility to its generation portfolio and has since selected a developer and … [Read More]
Sandra Benoit joins Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Board of Directors
By Tiffany Heit
Hays, Kan.—May 5, 2023—Sunflower Electric Power Corporation seated Sandra Benoit as one of its 12 directors on April 21, 2023. Benoit succeeds Jerry Gallagher as a Sunflower board representative for Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Norton, Kan. Each of Sunflower’s six member cooperatives—Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Pioneer Electric Cooperative, … [Read More]
PowerXchange Panel: Huge Infrastructure Investment Drives Up Transformer Demand
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—A huge boost in government spending on the nation’s infrastructure is increasing the already overwhelming demand for transformers and other crucial equipment needed by electric cooperatives, experts told co-op leaders at PowerXchange. The supply chain issues spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic caused production and deliveries to stop or slow down … [Read More]
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson’s Message to Co-ops: ‘This Is the Time for Us to Lead
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Electric cooperative leadership grounded in the seven co-op principles will be key to serving members, building communities and creating a successful future, NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said at the kickoff of 2023 PowerXchange. “Today, we’re called to do more for our members than ever before,” Matheson said Monday at the association’s annual meeting, … [Read More]
Q&A: Electric Co-ops’ Top Policy Priorities for 2023
NRECA is diving into 2023 with a long list of policy goals that range from shaping a new five-year Farm Bill to helping electric cooperatives prepare for catastrophic wildfires. “All of our priorities are aimed at helping our members maintain reliable and affordable power and giving them tools to help meet the challenges of the future,” said Hill Thomas, NRECA’s vice … [Read More]
‘The Right Side’: Co-ops Elevate Reliability in Energy Transition Debate
Meetings of the Arizona Corporation Commission are generally pretty sleepy affairs, but the one held this fall had a noticeable infusion of energy. Co-op energy. In summer of 2022, Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, the state’s generation and transmission co-op, had asked the ACC to approve financing for additional natural gas units at its Apache Generating … [Read More]
Sunflower’s Diverse Generation Fleet Offsets High Market Energy Prices
Despite early warnings from grid operators and power grid reliability experts, the unprecedented heat waves this past summer did not cause widespread rolling blackouts or brownouts across the nation. A spring report from the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) had warned utilities and consumers that Southwest … [Read More]
Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Selects New CEO
Hays, Kan.—Nov. 21, 2022—Sunflower Electric Power Corp. announced today that its board of directors has named Todd Hillman as the corporation’s next president and chief executive officer. Hillman will begin his tenure on Jan. 16 to succeed Stuart Lowry, Sunflower’s current president and CEO, upon his retirement. Hillman is the sixth person to lead Sunflower since it was … [Read More]
Hurricane Ian: Tracking the Co-op Response
Updated: Sept. 30, 11 a.m. Electric cooperatives in South Carolina prepared for restoration work Friday as Hurricane Ian pushed toward another landfall, threatening damage to coastal and lowland areas. The storm, which hit Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane, is expected to cross the South Carolina coast at Category 1 strength with highest … [Read More]
Sunflower Electric Power Corp. promotes James Turrentine
Sunflower Electric Power Corp. (Sunflower) has promoted James Turrentine to manager of safety. Turrentine will be responsible for managing Sunflower’s safety program, including facility audits, incident investigations, policy and procedure reviews, the drug and alcohol program, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) program. He will ensure Sunflower is compliant … [Read More]
Rising Natural Gas Prices Impact Electricity Prices
This summer has been filled with a number of highs… like high temperatures, high drought indexes, high grocery costs, and high transportation costs. Higher electricity costs can also be added to the list, sometimes even after consumers took efforts to conserve energy. So What Happened? Let’s start by talking about the Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA), called the Power … [Read More]
Along Those Lines: ‘Perfect Storm’ of Supply Shortages—The Causes and the Co-op Response
https://www.cooperative.com/news/Pages/Along-Those-Lines-Podcast.aspx Aug. 19, 2022: The ongoing global supply chain crisis has spurred double-digit inflation, frustrated companies and consumers and driven the U.S. economy to the brink of recession. Electric co-ops are feeling the brunt of the impact, facing unprecedented challenges in procuring key grid components … [Read More]
Sunflower prepares for summer peak conditions
Summer did not officially arrive until June 21, but we all know Mother Nature doesn’t adhere to the calendar in Kansas. We have already seen a wide range of temperatures, with some areas of the state reaching at or near 100 degrees as early as May. High temperatures increase electric demand when electric consumers crank air conditioners to stay cool. In recent reports, … [Read More]
Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announces nationwide search for new chief executive officer
June 22, 2022 – Hays, Kan. – Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, headquartered in Hays, Kan., has launched a nationwide search for its next president and chief executive officer, following the retirement of current President and CEO Stuart Lowry. The Sunflower Board of Directors has retained CarterBaldwin Executive Search as a partner for the search. The search process … [Read More]
Sunflower’s Cody Forell presents podcast on The Structural Engineering Channel
Sunflower ElectroRally race scheduled April 13 in Scott City
Sunflower ElectroRally race scheduled April 13 in Scott City A wave of the green flag and the race is off! How many laps can specially designed electric cars––built by teams of high school students––make in one hour while racing one another around a track or course? Spectators are invited to discover the answer at the Sunflower ElectroRally race in Scott City. The first … [Read More]
Sunflower, Russell County Commission agree on PILOT for solar project
Hays, Kan.—March 29, 2022—Sunflower Electric Power Corp. and the Russell County Commission came to agreement on a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for the first ten years of the Sunflower @ Russell Solar Project on March 21. Since current Kansas law provides a 10-year property tax exemption for renewable energy projects, Sunflower offered a PILOT to the county. The … [Read More]
Sunflower Electric Power Corporation files application for second solar project
Feb. 7, 2022—Sunflower Electric Power Corporation applied for a Solar Energy System Permit in Russell County on Feb. 7, 2022. Sunflower plans to develop the Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell project, a 20-megawatt solar farm located three miles east of Russell. The next step for the project, expected to be commercially available by the last part of 2023, is for the … [Read More]
Holiday Decor Tips for an Energy-Wise Home
Whether you’ve already decked your halls or you’re just getting started, there’s still time to incorporate energy savings into your holiday décor planning. If you haven’t strung your twinkle lights, be sure to use LED light strands. LEDs consume far less energy than incandescent lights and they can last 40 holiday seasons. They’re also safer because they’re made with … [Read More]
Scott City Industrial Park Completes Sunflower’s Site Certification
Hays, Kan.—Dec. 8, 2021— Scott City, Kan., is the latest community to attain certification for its industrial business development site through the Sunflower Certified Sites Program. Certification of the site verifies the 97-acre tract of land meets rigorous criteria for industrial development.The SCIP North - Lawrence Addition is the third business site certified by … [Read More]
Sunflower to hold local planning meeting Dec. 1
Sunflower Electric will be holding its 2021 Local Planning Meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. (CT) via. teleconference. This meeting will provide results and open discussion of the 2021 Local Planning Assessment along with other important information for stakeholders. If you are not already included in the list of stakeholders who have received the meeting … [Read More]
Unified Greeley County completes Sunflower’s site certification
Hays, Kan.— Oct. 18, 2021— Unified Greeley County completed the site certification process for a light industrial property in Tribune, Kan. Unified Greeley County, in conjunction with Greeley County Community Development, submitted the necessary information to qualify it for certification through Sunflower Electric Power Corporation’s Certified Sites Program. “We’re … [Read More]
Affordable Electricity Powers Quality of Life
By Anne Prince Most of us use electricity, either directly or indirectly, at almost all times. Because electricity is so abundant and available with the simple flip of a switch, it’s easy to take it for granted. According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), the typical U.S. household now uses more air conditioning, appliances and consumer electronics than ever … [Read More]
Managing Rights of Way from Top to Bottom
By Derrill Holly There’s more than one way to look at vegetation management. The work electric cooperatives and their contractors do to help keep electric lines and other equipment separated from plant overgrowth plays a major role in service reliability. From mowing and brush work at ground level to tree trimming near or above power lines, electric co-ops regularly … [Read More]
Understanding Power Surges, Blinks
Have you ever noticed your lights blink during a thunderstorm? Or perhaps you’ve noticed a blinking microwave clock when you arrive home. When this happens, you’ve likely experienced a brief disruption to your electric service, which could result from a power surge or blink. While the symptoms of surges and blinks can appear similar, what’s happening behind the scenes can … [Read More]
Sunflower, Kansas Department of Commerce partner on certified sites
By Cindy Hertel
TOPEKA – July 7, 2021 – Governor Laura Kelly today announced an exciting new partnership between the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Certified Sites program and Kansas-based Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, which will increase the number of shovel-ready development sites Kansas can showcase to developers nationwide. Commerce’s Certified Sites Program, originally … [Read More]
Tips to Avoid Utility Scams
By Abby Berry Every day, millions of Americans are targeted by scammers through phone calls, emails, text messages, online or in person. Scammers’ tactics can change daily, which is why it’s important for consumers to stay on top of the latest scam reports from local and national news outlets, as well as your local utility companies. Some phone scams involve scammers … [Read More]
Energy News: Four Keys to Understanding the Electric Grid
By Paul Wesslund America’s electric grid is often called the most complex machine in the world. That’s not a stretch when you think about what it does: it runs your refrigerator and charges your phone, all from a ray of sunshine, a lump of coal, falling water or a prairie … [Read More]
Dodge City/Ford County Development Corp first to complete Sunflower’s site certification process
Hays, Kan.—March 18, 2021— Stamped for approval! The Dodge City Business Park became a certified site, which verifies that the 245-acre business park meets necessary criteria for industrial development. On March 11, the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation was the first organization to complete the site certification process through the Sunflower Electric Power … [Read More]
Sunflower appeals to electricity consumers to conserve electricity
Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, at 9:20 a.m. -- SPP is no longer under an energy emergency alert (EEA). Due to continuing high loads and other implications of severe cold weather, SPP remains in a period of conservative operations until 10 p.m. CST, Feb. 20, for the entire SPP balancing authority area. Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at 6:20 p.m. -- The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) … [Read More]
ALONG THOSE LINES: Co-ops and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
When NRECA President Curtis Wynn took office, he set out to focus on how co-ops can navigate the rapid pace of change in our industry. This platform took on new meaning in 2020 with a heightened focus on racial inequality in America. As he approaches the end of his two-year term, Wynn chats with us about diversity, equity and inclusion in the co-op workforce and reflects … [Read More]
How to Breathe Easy About Your Home’s Air Quality
Dear Pat and Brad: I read your column a few months ago on sealing air leaks, but I’ve heard a home that’s sealed too tight can lead to air quality issues. How can I be sure I have healthy air as I seal air leaks in my home? – Lee Dear Lee: Sealing air leaks is one of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient, and there are steps you can take to ensure your … [Read More]
Diverse Fuel Mix Ensures Reliability
How co-ops keep electricity reliable—the traditional way, the digital way “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” It’s a familiar saying, and believe it or not, that age-old piece of wisdom is used by electric utilities to make sure you receive a reliable supply of electricity. Michael Leitman, senior analyst at the National Rural Electric Cooperative … [Read More]
ALONG THOSE LINES: Heroic Co-op Employees Go Above and Beyond
Oct. 6, 2020: In celebration of National Co-op Month, we talk to electric cooperative employees whose routine workdays turned into lifesaving rescue missions as they came to the aid of community members. Crew members describe rescuing a woman trapped in a flooded creek in Tennessee, pulling two men from a fiery armored truck crash in Missouri, and saving an older … [Read More]
ALONG THOSE LINES: Engaging Co-op Members in the 2020 Election: Part Two
As local and national campaigns gear up across the country, electric cooperatives work to ensure their consumer-members are informed of the issues that matter most to rural communities and have the opportunity to make their voices heard at the polls. In this two-part episode, we talk first to NRECA's Laura Vogel and Nonprofit Vote's Brian Miller about national initiatives … [Read More]
Electrical Safety: Overcoming Distractions in the Age of COVID-19
Published August 31, 2020 The number of electrical contacts reported to Federated dropped after the launch of the Commitment to Zero Contacts campaign. But as of July 2020, an annualized estimate shows the possibility of 21 such incidents this year. Electric cooperative safety and loss officials are warning that new distractions created by the COVID-19 pandemic and … [Read More]
Rural Mainstreet Index Inches Higher, but Still Short of Pre-Pandemic Levels
RURAL MAINSTREET INDEXThe index, a 0-100 range in which 50 represents growth-neutral, is based on surveys of community bank CEOs in a 10-state region. After taking a beating this past spring and summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rural economy is showing signs of life, but a total recovery remains elusive. In September’s Rural Mainstreet Index, a quarter … [Read More]
Co-ops Urge Congress to Pass RUS Debt Relief in Next COVID-19 Aid Package
As Congress works to reach agreement on a new COVID-19 relief package, electric cooperative leaders urged lawmakers to include a bipartisan bill that would save co-ops more than $10 billion in interest payments on their federal debt and provide financial relief during the coronavirus pandemic. “This is a really important issue for rural America,” NRECA CEO Jim … [Read More]
The Current; Summer 2020
Season 2, episode 4; Engaging Co-op Members in the 2020 Election: Part One
https://www.cooperative.com/news/Pages/Along-Those-Lines-Podcast.aspx … [Read More]
Electric Grid Power Supplies Ready for Summer Despite COVID-19 Pandemic
The U.S. electric grid has sufficient resources to meet this summer’s peak demand, even as uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, the North American Electric Reliability Council said in a new report. “Industry appears well-positioned for the coming summer season,” said John Moura, NERC director of reliability assessment and performance analysis. “As … [Read More]
FCC Approves Rural Broadband Auction Rules That Help Electric Co-ops Compete
The Federal Communications Commission has approved rules that will help electric cooperatives compete in the $20.4 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, the largest auction ever of funds for rural broadband. The commission agreed to offer smaller unserved census block groups in the bidding and exclude developers of the not-yet-operational "low-earth orbit" … [Read More]
Electricity Brings Everyday Value
By Anne Prince, NRECA Even though I work in the energy industry, like most people, I still don’t think much about the electricity I use. I expect the lights to turn on when I flip the switch and the coffeemaker to work each morning. Because electricity is so abundant, we don’t think much about it. Since many of us have been spending more time at home over the past few … [Read More]
Tracey’s Takeaways: Bring Out Your Group’s Genius with Collaborative Learning
"Tracey’s Takeaways" is a regular feature that focuses on employee development, management issues, leadership and organizational culture. When groups come together to tackle a problem or create something new, research shows that innovation and decision making improve. (Photo by: NRECA) The circumstances that cooperatives face today are complex with no existing … [Read More]
Season 2, episode 3; How Co-ops come together to recover from storms
Experts talk us through how co-op mutual aid is coordinated and what it looks like on the ground, even with the added challenges of a global pandemic. https://www.cooperative.com/news/Pages/Along-Those-Lines-Podcast.aspx … [Read More]
Season 2, Episode 2; Co-op Communications in Times of Crisis
May 20, 2020:Electric cooperatives, by their very nature, are accustomed to dealing with disruptions large and small. But the landscape for managing crises is changing dramatically. https://www.cooperative.com/news/Pages/Along-Those-Lines-Podcast.aspx … [Read More]
Largest solar farm in Kansas starts commercial operation
Sunflower Electric Power Corporation’s rural co-op members now enjoying clean, cost-effective energy from facility built, owned and operated by Lightsource BP Johnson City, Kan. – Sunflower Electric Power Corp. and Lightsource BP have announced that the Johnson Corner Solar Project entered commercial operation on April 7. The $37 million project, which was financed … [Read More]
Spring Current
For our Member Systems, Employees, and Friends … [Read More]
Amid Pandemic Shortages, Co-op Partners With Distillery to Produce Hand Cleanser
When the impact of the coronavirus pandemic began to hit home in Ford County, Kansas, an electric cooperative and a whiskey distillery teamed up to fill an urgent need for hand cleanser amid a nationwide shortage. “The main ingredient in hand cleanser is alcohol, and Boot Hill Distillery was in a prime position with the equipment and ingredients to make it,” … [Read More]
RURAL Act: A Crucial Legislative Fix that Went Down to the Wire
Shortly after midnight on Dec. 17 last year, congressional leaders met behind closed doors at the U.S. Capitol to negotiate an 11th-hour budget deal that would prevent a government shutdown. What became clear by sunrise was that the deal also included the RURAL Act, a simple one-page bill that would protect the tax-exempt status of electric cooperatives. “It was really … [Read More]
Season 2, Episode; 3 “Along Those Lines Workplaces Evolve Amid New Generations, Changing Expectations
https://www.cooperative.com/news/Pages/Along-Those-Lines-Podcast.aspx … [Read More]
Co-op Power Plants Secured Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Originally posted by NRECA - As Americans reduce direct contact with one another to slow the spread of the coronavirus, generation and transmission cooperatives are working to keep electricity flowing to homes, businesses and institutions. “Our transition to working at home for those [employees] who are doing so was very smooth,” said Mike McFarland, … [Read More]
Sunflower’s Response to Coronavirus
Sunflower Vendors: As you know, the World Health Organization has declared a pandemic related to the coronavirus, and there are confirmed cases in Kansas. Sunflower wants to keep you—an important partner in our mission to provide reliable, affordable energy services to our member-owners—apprised of the steps we are taking to keep our staff, partners, and members safe … [Read More]
Q&A: Modernizing the Federal Environmental Permitting Process
Electric cooperatives work to improve the quality of life across all the communities they serve. But too often, infrastructure projects that would serve that mission are hampered by extensive delays and added costs from outdated federal environmental permitting rules, say NRECA experts. It doesn’t have to be this way. Under a proposal that would modernize the … [Read More]
Season 2, Episode 6; Along Those Lines: What’s Next for Co-ops and Battery Storage
The number of electric utilities deploying large battery systems to store power is on the rise, but it’s a technology that’s still very much in its infancy. How are electric cooperatives integrating storage, and how are they using it to serve their members? https://www.electric.coop/along-those-lines-battery-storage/ … [Read More]
WOTUS Replacement Clarifies Clean Water Act Jurisdiction in Rural America
The Trump administration has released a replacement of the controversial 2015 “Waters of the U.S.” rule with definitions to clarify federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act and consider rural landowners in ways that will reduce regulatory delay and costs. The new “Navigable Waters Protection Rule”—developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the … [Read More]
Season 2, episode 5; Along Those Lines: Co-op Voters and the 2020 Elections
Season 2, Episode 4: Along Those Lines: Co-op Voters and the 2020 Elections
With 2020 elections less than 300 days away, we’re kicking off the year by delving into the critical role of rural voters: What issues are important to constituents in electric cooperative territories, and what are co-ops doing to make sure their voices are heard? In the latest episode of Along Those Lines, Jeffrey Connor, NRECA’s chief operating officer, and Keith … [Read More]
Rural Economy Gets a Healthy Start to 2020, Monthly Survey Says
A key gauge of rural America’s economic health has reached its highest level since June 2018. Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index rose to 55.9 in January from 50.2 in December. It’s now been above the growth-neutral mark of 50.0 for 11 of the past 12 months. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy, while a score below 50 indicates a shrinking … [Read More]
Holcomb Expansion Project Air Permit allowed to expire
Hays, Kan.—Jan. 15, 2020—Following an announcement by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association that the utility will no longer pursue the Holcomb Expansion Project, Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announced that it will allow the project’s air permit to expire on March 27, 2020. Sunflower and Tri-State, which provide wholesale generation and transmission … [Read More]
Sunflower Electric Power Corp. and Mid-Kansas Electric Company merge
Hays, Kan.—Jan. 2, 2020—Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announces its merger with Mid-Kansas Electric Company Inc. effective Jan.1, 2020. The merger of the two cooperatively operated, wholesale electric utilities incorporates Mid-Kansas into Sunflower. Regulatory filings for the merger were submitted in August 2018 to the Kansas Corporation Commission, … [Read More]
Season 2, Episode 3: How Co-ops are Ensuring Energy Access to All
https://www.cooperative.com/programs-services/bts/energy-access/Pages/default.aspx … [Read More]
Congress Passes RURAL Act, Preserves Co-ops’ Tax-Exempt Status
Congress on Thursday passed the RURAL Act, protecting more than 900 electric cooperatives throughout the nation from the risk of losing their tax-exempt status when they accept government grants for disaster relief, broadband service and other programs that benefit co-op members. The Senate’s vote to approve the legislation came two days after the House approved it as … [Read More]
RURAL Act: Why Popular, Bipartisan Legislation Can Face Hurdles in Congress
The 2017 law counts grants as income, making it hard for some co-ops to avoid going over the 15{39e323cd6f0c7b549829c3b8f652466012503747894c8472651e628624ea833a} limit on non-member revenue that they must maintain to remain tax-exempt. Previously, grants were counted as capital and did not factor into co-ops’ revenue ratios. The RURAL Act would once again exclude grants … [Read More]
Season 2, Episode 2: Dealing With the Disastrous Effects of Flooding in the Heartland
Nov. 12, 2019: Midwestern farmers faced devastating flooding last spring, with recovery efforts still ongoing. Nebraska farm owners Kristi and Drew Wolfe give a firsthand look at what it’s been like to cope with this disaster. Kim Christiansen, who was GM of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association before joining NRECA, discusses the overall impact in Nebraska, and Sam … [Read More]
Q&A: Senate’s Lead RURAL Act Sponsors Discuss Their Strategy for Passage
More than a third of senators have now signed on to support the RURAL Act, a bipartisan bill by Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Tina Smith, D-Minn., to protect electric cooperatives’ tax-exempt status. As of Monday, 38 senators were co-sponsoring the bill, which would allow not-for-profit co-ops to accept government grants for disaster relief, broadband service and other … [Read More]
Season 2, Episode 1: Along Those Lines Co-ops’ Role in Protecting the Electric Grid
NRECA's monthly podcast is focused on the important stories from across co-op country about the issues that matter most to rural America and the energy industry. https://www.electric.coop/along-those-lines-co-ops-cybersecurity-protecting-grid/ … [Read More]
Sunflower again participated in CoBank’s Sharing Success program, which doubles the contributions of its customers to the charitable organizations and causes they care about most.
Sunflower has chosen to support the United Way because of the positive impact the organization has in the Sunflower service territory. CoBank recognizes that their customers often know best where funding can most effectively be provided to benefit their communities. Since the program was established in 2012, CoBank and its customers have together contributed more … [Read More]
Episode 12: Along Those lines Episode 12: The Push for Congress to Save Co-ops’ Tax-Exempt Status
An unintended consequence of the 2017 federal tax law is threatening electric co-ops’ tax-exempt status. NRECA’s Louis Finkel explains why it’s vital for Congress to pass the RURAL Act to fix this issue, and two co-op leaders discuss the impact of the tax dilemma firsthand: Tim Johnson of Otsego Electric Cooperative in New York and Scott Reimer of Federated Electric … [Read More]
Co-op Voices: How Losing Tax-Exempt Status Would Hurt Rural Residents
The record-setting snowstorm that walloped Oregon last February was so severe it turned off the lights to all of Douglas Electric Cooperative’s members for the first time in the co-op’s 80-year history.“We’d never had a 100{39e323cd6f0c7b549829c3b8f652466012503747894c8472651e628624ea833a} outage before,” said Keith Brooks, general manager of the Roseburg-based co-op. “It … [Read More]
Q&A: How Co-op Priorities Are Faring in Congress This Year
When Congress returns next month from its August recess, there are only about 40 legislative days left this year in the House and about 50 in the Senate. That leaves a small window of opportunity for progress on the most pressing issues for electric cooperatives. John Cassady, NRECA’s vice president of legislative affairs, gives an update on how co-op priorities have … [Read More]
Along Those Lines, Episode 11: How Co-ops Can Be Part of the Rural Health Care Solution
With access to health care diminishing in many of the country’s rural areas, hear from three co-op leaders who are prioritizing programs to get critical care to members of their communities: David Lambert of Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Shawn Taylor of the Wyoming Rural Electric Association and Geoff Oldfather of Arizona G&T … [Read More]
Along Those Lines, Episode 10: Beneficial Electrification 101
If you work in the energy industry or follow its developments, you’re probably familiar with the term “beneficial electrification.” But do you really understand what it means? What is its impact on the environment? How does it benefit consumers? And how are co-ops leading the industry on this … [Read More]
Distributed Energy Resources (DER)
About the DER Tracker The purpose of this tracker is to capture the latest information at the state level on policies impacting the deployment of distributed energy resources (DER), including information on legislative and regulatory actions in the states and how these policies impact electric cooperatives. The tracker is interactive and will be … [Read More]
Along Those Lines, Episode 9: NRECA President Curtis Wynn Looks to Co-ops’ Future
In March, Roanoke Electric Cooperative CEO Curtis Wynn officially took the gavel as NRECA’s new president. Wynn, a member of the NRECA board since 2007, first got into the business when he was just a teenager, washing trucks after school at his local co-op. Decades later, he’s charged with leading co-ops across the country through the challenges of a changing … [Read More]
Along Those Lines Podcast, Episode 8: Saving the Monarch Butterfly
The monarch butterfly is in trouble, with its numbers in decline for the last few decades, its habitat rapidly disappearing, and an Endangered Species Act listing on the horizon. We’re joined by NRECA’s Janelle Lemen and Stephanie Crawford along with Dairyland Power Cooperative’s Brad Foss to discuss the challenges the monarch faces and the steps co-ops are taking to save … [Read More]
NRECA Supports Effort to Modernize Endangered Species Act
When it was enacted in 1973, the bipartisan authors of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) envisioned a law to protect plant and animal species on the brink of extinction. At that time, 109 species were listed for protection. Today, there are more than 2,000 species designated as either threatened or endangered with additional species considered as candidates for listing. … [Read More]
Co-ops Fuel Economy With 612,000 Jobs and Billions Toward GDP, Report Shows
Electric cooperatives have a broad financial impact on the United States, directly or indirectly supporting nearly 612,000 jobs each year and contributing hundreds of billions of dollars to the economy over a five-year period, according to a new analysis. Between 2013 and 2017, co-ops employed an average of 67,800 people a year, hired about 100,600 contractors, and by … [Read More]
Electric Co-ops Balance Environmental Protection..
NRECA believes that environmental, wildlife and land-management policies should encourage flexible, local approaches rather than imposing costly rules that discourage innovation. We favor policies that rely more on providing incentives and encouraging voluntary conservation efforts. Cooperatives and Businesses Environmental laws affect nearly every aspect of co-op … [Read More]
Cooperatives Power 56{39e323cd6f0c7b549829c3b8f652466012503747894c8472651e628624ea833a} of the nations landmass
From booming suburbs to remote rural farming communities, America’s electric cooperatives are energy providers and engines of economic development for more than 19 million American homes, businesses, farms and schools in 47 states. Electric cooperatives play a vital role in transforming the electric sector. Advanced communications and automation technology enable co-ops … [Read More]
Along Those Lines, Episode 7: Keeping Line Crews Safe
As we spend the month of April recognizing the efforts of lineworkers, the latest episode of Along Those Lines zeroes in on safety and what it takes to ensure that crews don’t come into contact with live lines. Heath Martin, who’s now the safety director at Northfork Electric Cooperative in Oklahoma, shares the harrowing story of a mistake early in his career as a … [Read More]
Along Those Lines, Episode 6: The Rise of Female Lineworkers
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, the latest episode of Along Those Lines takes you behind the scenes with a woman who’s making her way in a male-dominated industry.Kaitlyn Vaillancourt, 21, is an apprentice lineworker at Pedernales Electric Cooperative outside Austin, Texas—the only woman among the co-op’s 200 lineworkers.As co-ops and other utilities are seeing … [Read More]
Bipartisan Bill Would Protect Co-ops From Losing Tax-Exempt Status
Congress has taken the first step to protect electric cooperatives from losing their tax-exempt status when they receive government grants to help restore power after a storm or bring broadband service to rural communities. Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Tina Smith, D-Minn., introduced legislation Thursday to correct an unintended consequence of the sweeping Tax … [Read More]
Bipartisan Bill Could Boost Financing for Co-ops to Modernize Plants
NRECA is working with a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Congress to pass legislation that would give electric cooperatives access to more money to modernize their plants and reduce costs for consumer-members. “Rural electric cooperatives reach underserved areas far and wide providing dependable electricity … to power their homes, farms and businesses,” said Sen. … [Read More]
Trump’s Budget Would Hurt Co-ops by Selling Off Federal Dams, Transmission Lines
President Trump’s 2020 budget proposal once again calls for selling off federal dams and transmission lines that are crucial for more than 600 electric cooperatives to provide low-cost power to their consumer-members. The president’s budget would privatize dams and transmission lines operated by the Bonneville Power Administration in Oregon, the Southwestern Power … [Read More]
We Support Bipartisan Bill to Reduce CO2, Co-op CEO Tells Senate Panel
Basin Electric Power Cooperative CEO Paul Sukut told a Senate panel Wednesday he supports efforts to help co-ops develop technology to capture carbon dioxide emissions from coal-burning power plants and turn them into useful products. Sukut spoke in support of bipartisan legislation by Sens. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., that would spur new … [Read More]
Co-ops Fuel Economy With 612,000 Jobs and Billions Toward GDP, Report Shows
Electric cooperatives have a broad financial impact on the United States, directly or indirectly supporting nearly 612,000 jobs each year and contributing hundreds of billions of dollars to the economy over a five-year period, according to a new analysis. Between 2013 and 2017, co-ops employed an average of 67,800 people a year, hired about 100,600 contractors, and by … [Read More]
What is the evolving grid?
What is the evolving grid—and what does it mean for how we'll consume electricity in the future? We're joined by three experts to zero in on how electric co-ops are leading this trend: NRECA's Jim Spiers, Patty Richards from Washington Electric Cooperative in Vermont, and Lee Ragsdale from North Carolina’s Electric … [Read More]
Utah Co-op Rallies Community to Help Off-the-Grid Couple
Geoff and Tina Wilson planned to live off the grid in a remote part of Utah when things went horribly awry. Smoke from wildfires and steady rains hampered their lone solar panel, and their generator broke. Health problems prevented Geoff, a Navy veteran, from working, and Tina worked only part-time as a teacher’s aide. Their savings were all used up to pay for Geoff’s … [Read More]
Along Those Lines, Episode 4: Advocating for Co-ops in a Divided Congress
Download the monthly “Along those Lines” Podcast to hear electric cooperative industry news and how electric cooperatives advocate on your behalf. For the latest episode of “Along Those Lines,” our host, RE Magazine Editor Scot Hoffman, talks to Kirk Johnson, NRECA’s senior vice president for government relations, and John Cassady, NRECA’s vice president for legislative … [Read More]
Sunflower Devoted to Caring for Community
Reaching out and helping the communities in our service territory is more than just a part of the mission statement framed in our hallways. It’s a culture of concern for community that is encouraged among all Sunflower employees. With the last remaining funds of 2018, Sunflower staff decided that animal shelters across western Kansas should receive donations. Shelters that … [Read More]
Six Electric Co-op Policy Priorities for the New Congress
NRECA advocates on many public policy issues on behalf of electric cooperatives. As the new Congress kicks off, here’s a look at several electric co-op policy priorities for 2019. Energy Policy/Infrastructure The potential for energy and infrastructure legislation presents a significant opportunity as electric cooperatives work to meet the growing needs of their … [Read More]
NRECA Welcomes EPA Proposal to Clarify Oversight of Waterways
To the relief of electric cooperatives, the Environmental Protection Agency plans to replace its 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule, which significantly expanded what waters and wetlands should be federally regulated. EPA on Dec. 11 proposed to limit “waters of the U.S.” to traditional navigable waters and tributaries, ditches, wetlands and other features that … [Read More]
Farm Bill Advances Electric Co-op Interests in Rural Development, Broadband
From community development to broadband and renewable energy, electric cooperatives stand to benefit from the Farm Bill overwhelmingly passed by Congress this week and now headed to President Trump, who’s expected to sign it. The House voted 369-47 in favor of the bill on Wednesday, a day after the Senate approved it, 87-13. “The bill advances the interests of … [Read More]
Tracey’s Takeaways: 3 Tips for Breaking Down Silos and Fostering Collaboration
"Tracey’s Takeaways" is a new feature focusing on employee development, management issues, leadership and organizational culture. Silos form over time and can be hard to break, but they are important for leaders to address. There's an African proverb that states, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others." This conforms to what I … [Read More]
Now That’s Rural: Lona DuVall, DFA and milk processing
By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development Production leads to processing which leads to progress. That is the desired path of value-added economic development. It was true for the Kansas beef industry in the 1980s and 1990s, and it is now coming true in the Kansas dairy industry. Milk production in western Kansas has grown to the point that new … [Read More]
