Chris Tackmann, General Manager & CEO
American families expect the lights to stay on at a cost they can afford. However, 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, Oakdale Electric Cooperative (OEC) is committed to reliably powering our 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 in Washington, D.C.
Last month, hundreds of electric cooperative leaders from across the country, including Wisconsin, 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 are impacting our members back home.
We focused on telling how electric cooperatives in Wisconsin 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, we detailed the need to improve environmental permitting processes and cut costly and burdensome regulations to accelerate deployment and maintenance of essential electric infrastructure. We highlighted the need to pass legislation to facilitate co-op vegetation management efforts and reduce wildfire risks.
An additional focal point of our discussions with policymakers was to ensure federal programs and resources that support electric cooperative energy projects as we invest to meet the unique needs of our communities. This included tools such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service electric loan program and the New Empowering Rural America co-op loan and grant program, energy tax credits with an elective (direct) pay option for co-ops, and recently funded Department of Energy infrastructure programs.
While you may not consider it on a daily basis, electricity is essential and supports nearly every aspect of modern life. Understanding today's evolving energy landscape is important as it shapes how electricity is produced, delivered and consumed. We want to ensure that members of Congress understand this.
Advocating for reliable, affordable power on behalf of OEC’s members is a critical part of our commitment to you and we look forward to continuing to work with our elected officials on these matters.