Issue Spotlight

Issues:

Capacity
Technology
Affordability

Capacity | Top

Keeping the Lights On – Capacity
According to the Energy Information Agency, electric power usage is currently expected to increase by 1.1 percent annually. Improved energy efficiency and conservation can slow down the rate of demand growth, however, ensuring the U.S. has the power needed to grow the economy poses a serious challenge for electric utilities.

News:

Electrical Gridlock
December 29, 2008 - In a Washington Post op-ed Glenn English (NRECA CEO) and Jackson Reasor, Jr. (Old Dominion Electric Cooperative CEO) outline steps needed to avert a looming power shortage. more >>

Climate Policies Raise Reliability Concerns
November 13, 2008 - North American Electric Reliability Corporation issues report spotlighting the nexus of existing and proposed climate policies and the bulk power system. more >>

Capacity and Transmission Challenges Loom for Bulk Power System
November 7, 2008 - Seven of 15 regions in North America projected to dip below recommended capacity margins in the next five years according to NERC assessment. more >>

Co-ops Facing Power Crunch, USDA Says
October 13, 2008 - Report projects need to double capacity by 2020. more >>

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Assesses Odds for 2003 Repeat
August 27, 2008 - Marking the fifth anniversary of the 2003 blackout, NERC CEO Rick Sergel enumerates reforms as well as potential risks to nation’s grid. more >>

Glenn English Urges Congress to Focus on Meeting Rising Demand for Electricity
July 30, 2008 - Testifying before the House Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research, NRECA CEO warns U.S. consumers could be significantly exposed to rising and volatile electricity prices. more >>

Related Resources On NRECA.coop:

Electricity Capacity: Stressed Over the Next Decade (NRECA)

Other Resources:

Long-term Reliability Assessment Source: North American Electric Reliability Commission

Technology | Top

Technology to Meet Changing Energy Needs
Only with technological innovation will the U.S. be able to meet increasing demand while reducing greenhouse gases, but these innovations are not possible without substantial investment. NRECA strongly supports public-private investment in technologies to increase efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases from fossil fuels and increase our use of alternative energy.

News:

Models of Efficiency: Some of Nation’s Greenest Buildings Built by Co-ops
December 5, 2008 - Slideshow highlights diverse array of efficient co-op buildings, including Great River Energy’s Platinum LEED-certified headquarters in Maple Grove, MN. more >>

Congress Authorizes $800 Million for Clean Renewable Energy Bonds
October 23, 2008 - Changes in the 2008 package give cooperatives flexibility. more >>

NRECA CEO Glenn English Calls on Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Rangel to Provide Comparable Renewable Energy Incentives for Not-for-Profit Utilities
September 27, 2008 - House leadership changes jeopardize Clean Renewable Energy Bond program. more >>

Electric Co-ops Get Behind the Carbon Reduction Technology Bridge Act of 2008
August 8, 2008 - Clean Coal Energy Bonds would spur efficiency improvements for coal-fired power plants and pave the way for carbon capture and storage. more >>

Related Resources On NRECA.coop:

Cooperatives Plan for Carbon Constraints (Cooperative Research Network)

Bold Ideas for the Next Decade’s Challenges (NRECA)

2008 NRECA Legislative Conference Briefing on Clean Coal Technology

Other Resources:

Pathways to Sustainable Power Source: Electric Power Research Institute

Affordability | Top

Keeping Electricity Affordable
As consumer-owned, not-for-profit utilities, electric cooperatives look out for the interests of their members. At a time of dramatic change in the electric utility industry, NRECA believes policy makers must take into account the impact on affordability when deciding energy policy.

News:

Consumer Advocates Call for Balanced Climate Change Policy
November 20, 2008 - NRECA CEO Glenn English welcomes consumer advocates to the debate over climate change policy. more >>

GAO Report Questions Regional Transmission Organization Accountability
October 15, 2008 - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight of RTO’s raises concerns. more >>

S&P Raises Doubts on Renewable Standards
April 11, 2008 - Portfolio standards force utilities to shift from least-cost sources toward above-market renewable sources in unprecedented quantities, says ratings firm. more >>

Related Resources On NRECA.coop:

Assuring Affordable and Reliable Electricity (NRECA)

Other Resources:

Consumers in Peril Source: American Public Power Association

No Time to Waste Source: Consumer Federation of America