Florida Co-ops Go to Washington, D.C.

In April, leaders from electric cooperatives across the United States came together in Washington, D.C., as they do each year, advocating for common co-op issues and discussing ways to improve service to consumer members.

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association organized the event and led informational sessions preparing co-op leaders to discuss federal issues the electric cooperatives are battling.

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative (GCEC) sent John Bartley, Jimmy Black, and Dwight Van Lierop to join with other Florida co-op representatives to visit legislative offices and attend informational sessions.

GCEC attendees met with staff for Rep. Neal Dunn, as well as staff for Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, to discuss supply chain issues and interest paid on loans while waiting years for Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements. They also expressed concerns about Environmental Protection Agency proposals.

What Are the Issues?

• Supply chain issues continue to make it difficult and expensive for electric cooperatives to get the materials and equipment needed to keep the lights on. While a recent Department of Energy rule walked back some harmful regulations, the rule does not alleviate current challenges, including shortages of transformers, grid components and labor. Co-op representatives encouraged congressional leaders to finance a labor incentive program to enable American factories to hire and retain more workers and, as a result, boost output. Increased output would provide needed relief and allow co-ops to repair their systems in a timely manner and keep up with Florida’s continued growth.
• Co-ops support the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act to reimburse interest expenses incurred while waiting years for FEMA to reimburse disaster-related power restoration expenses. Florida electric cooperatives have paid more than $12 million in interest in recent years while waiting for FEMA reimbursements.
• The EPA has proposed a strict new rule for coal and natural gas power plants. While co-ops are not opposed to new technologies, the rule relies on unproven technologies and unachievable emission reductions. Each state has different resources available, and this new rule will jeopardize affordable and reliable electricity for Florida consumers.

Co-ops encourage congressional leaders to oppose policies that would lead to higher electricity costs for our consumer members and increase the risk of blackouts.

Co-op leaders will continue to advocate for our communities on the importance of safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.