NORTH DAKOTA'S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES TAKE ADVOCACY TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
MANDAN, N.D. — Representatives of North Dakota’s electric cooperatives will travel to Washington, D.C. to speak to United States senators, members of Congress and federal policymakers about issues of importance. The North Dakota Association of Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) is coordinating the effort, joining 2,000 electric cooperative leaders from across the nation for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) legislative conference, held April 28 to 30.
“North Dakota’s electric cooperatives are part of an important group of more than 900 electric cooperatives nationwide, all committed to the mission of empowering the members we serve,” says NDAREC General Manager Josh Kramer. “It is important to communicate with federal officials about key decisions that could impact this core mission.”
Leaders from North Dakota’s electric cooperatives will visit with federal officials about many issues facing electric cooperatives and the members they serve. During their visits with federal officials, cooperative leaders will discuss the importance of a safe, secure and reliable power supply, and policies that support carbon capture and storage investment. They will also advocate to protect against proposals that aim to sell the Power Marketing Administrations’ hydroelectric power and transmission assets. In addition, cooperative leaders will educate policymakers on the unique benefits of the locally-controlled, consumer-owned, cooperative business structure, calling on lawmakers to support investments in rural infrastructure.
“We are fortunate in North Dakota to have a congressional delegation that is so accessible and knowledgeable about our industry and cooperative model. Legislative conferences like this provide opportunities to share our values and priorities with lawmakers who may be a bit further removed from the priorities of Rural America,” said Kramer
NDAREC is the statewide trade association for 16 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives operating in North Dakota. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to nearly 250,000 North Dakotans via 200,000 meters. NDAREC services include legislative advocacy, line worker safety training and professional development services, cooperative business development, and communication services including publication of the North Dakota Living magazine.