Along Those Lines

Federal Funding Accelerates Energy Innovation Among Co-ops Oct 14, 2024

Electric co-ops have always been energy innovation leaders, but a surge in public funding is taking that to the next level. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes billions for clean energy projects—including the New ERA program designed specifically for co-ops—and the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law funded a wide range of programs that benefit co-ops. Hear from NRECA's Lauren Khair, Golden Valley Electric Association's Travis Million and Flathead Electric Cooperative's Jason Williams.

Balancing AI’s Benefits With Cybersecurity Risks Sep 09, 2024

Artificial intelligence, with its remarkable ability to digest and analyze enormous amounts of data, has nearly limitless positive applications for utilities. But it could be used just as effectively as a malicious tool by hackers and scammers. Co-ops are moving cautiously with AI, finding ways to safely implement new, enhanced systems while marginalizing tools that could increase cyber risk. Learn more from NRECA's Carter Manucy as well as Dairyland Power Cooperative's Nate Melby and Vlad Tsoy.

In Small-Town Illinois, Cooperative Broadband Makes a World of Difference Aug 13, 2024

Nestled along the upper Mississippi River and surrounded by farms and villages tucked into rolling hills, the town of Galena, Illinois, has charm to spare and regularly ranks among the country’s top small towns to visit. Now, with the coming of high-speed internet, Galena is seeing a surge not only in tourism but in new residents—and the driver behind this trend is the local electric co-op. Hear from JCE Co-op officials and Galena residents on how broadband can transform rural communities.

Protecting Electric Cooperative Consumers From Scams Jul 15, 2024

Scams that target electric utility consumers have been around for almost as long as the industry itself, with criminals using the latest technologies over the years to defraud victims. Electric co-ops have a unique advantage in combating scams, being locally owned, community focused and eager to share information with one another. Learn more from Monica Martinez of Utilities United Against Scams and Joan O’Fallon of Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative.

All Eyes on the 2024 Hurricane Season Jun 10, 2024

The 2024 hurricane season could be especially challenging for electric co-ops and their members. NOAA is predicting above-normal Atlantic hurricane activity with up to 25 named storms—a record high for its May forecast. Learn more from Matt Rosencrans, lead hurricane outlook forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, and hear from Jeff Davis Electric Cooperative General Manager Mike Heinen about his co-op’s efforts to strengthen its system against hurricane damage.

Immediate, Irreparable Harm: The Impacts of EPA's Power Plant Rule May 21, 2024

The EPA recently finalized its new rule to aggressively cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants—a sweeping move that NRECA CEO Jim Matheson called “unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable." Critics across the industry have decried the regulation as a threat to reliability at a time when an already-stressed grid faces soaring demand. Hear from NRECA's Ashley Slater and Minnkota Power Cooperative's Mac McLennan about the rule, its impacts and how co-ops are working to reverse it.

In the Blink of an Eye—Devastating Incident Becomes Teaching Tool Apr 22, 2024

In 2021, Branden Bauer was working at United Electric in Pennsylvania as a journeyman lineman with nearly 10 years of experience. During a system improvement project, he made contact with a live conductor that he'd mistakenly thought was a neutral and suffered devastating injuries. Hear from Branden and his wife, Caitlin, about how he's made a mission of telling his story in the hope that it’ll help others. Graphic content warning: Contains detailed descriptions of high-voltage contact injuries.

Lower Snake River Dams Deal Threatens Reliability in Northwest Mar 26, 2024

A long-simmering dispute over the Lower Snake River dams burst onto the headlines in November with news of a backroom deal between the Biden administration and plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Bonneville Power Administration and other agencies that manage the dams. The deal has raised fears about the possibility of breaching the dams and compromising the availability of reliable, carbon-free electricity. Hear from NRECA's Louis Finkel and Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative's Bryan Case.

Lessons in Succession Planning From a Small Co-op Feb 13, 2024

The electric utility industry is in the midst of a “skills and people shortage,” brought on by a steady stream of senior leaders reaching retirement age, a marked increase in non-retirement turnover and an evolution toward more advanced technologies that’s making it more difficult to find qualified employees. Electric co-ops are responding with creative initiatives on succession planning and employee development. Learn more from NRECA's Delaine Orendorff and Wells Rural Electric's Clay Fitch.

What the AI Revolution Means for Electric Co-ops Jan 16, 2024

Artificial intelligence is poised to have a rapidly expanding impact on many facets of our lives—and the power industry is at the tip of the spear. How are electric co-ops already using AI, and how will it shape and change the way we approach operations, member services and our workplace culture in the years to come? Hear from Mike Walsh, a futurist, author and the founder and CEO of the consulting firm Tomorrow as well as a keynote speaker for NRECA's 2024 PowerXchange and TechAdvantage.

ACCESS Project Delivers Benefits of Solar to Co-ops’ Lower-Income Members Dec 18, 2023

The Achieving Cooperative Community Equitable Solar Sources (ACCESS) project, a three-year, Department of Energy-funded effort in which electric co-ops have worked on innovative ways to bring the benefits of solar power to their low- and moderate-income members, is winding down at the end of the year. Learn more about ACCESS from Lisa Slaughter, NRECA research engineer, and Marshall Cherry, president and CEO of Roanoke Cooperative.

Middle-Mile Muddle Nov 20, 2023

A key piece of the broadband puzzle is the “middle mile,” which connects local networks to the broader web—a particularly critical facet for rural areas. Many electric co-ops in the broadband space are finding it difficult to access reliable, affordable third-party middle-mile networks, and some are starting to take matters into their own hands. Learn more from NRECA’s Katie Culleton as well as Steven Bandy, general manager of OzarksGo, the broadband subsidiary of Ozarks Electric Cooperative.

Proactive Safety: Commitment to Zero Contacts and Virtual Reality Training Oct 26, 2023

The Commitment to Zero Contacts program, a joint effort of NRECA, Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange and statewide co-op associations to eliminate injuries and deaths caused by accidental electrical contacts, hit its five-year mark earlier this year. Phase 2 of the program includes a VR training kit that’s being rolled out to statewide associations across the country. Learn more from NRECA's Bud Branham, Federated's Corey Parr and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives' Farris Leonard.

‘We Don’t Want This to Happen to Another Cooperative’: Lessons Learned From a Cyberattack Sep 25, 2023

In November 2021, Delta-Montrose Electric Association was hit with a ransomware attack that quickly spread through the co-op’s network and took over key systems like phone and email, customer information and meter data management. It took months of work to re-create and restore DMEA’s network, build new cyber protections and get back to a new normal. Hear from DMEA Chief Information Officer Bob Farmer and IT Manager Jay Suckey on the details of the attack and the valuable lessons learned.

EPA's Proposed Power Plant Rule Threatens Reliability Aug 24, 2023

The EPA’s proposed power plant rule is set to go into effect in the spring of 2024. This sweeping set of new restrictions on emissions from new and existing power generation facilities is being criticized by many in the industry for setting unrealistic timelines, relying on untested technologies and threatening the affordability and reliability of electricity. Hear from Ashley Slater, NRECA’s vice president for regulatory affairs, on the proposed rule and the electric cooperative response.

Along Those Lines: Filling the Rural Housing Gap Jul 25, 2023

A pandemic-era trend has many Americans relocating from urban areas to smaller cities and towns, but they're facing a growing shortage of available, affordable housing. What’s causing this unprecedented housing gap, and what are rural leaders, including electric co-ops, doing to fix it? Hear from Alex Horowitz, project director of the Housing Policy Initiative at the Pew Charitable Trusts, and Lea Hoover, director of member and strategic services at Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative.

Raising the Alarm on Grid Reliability Jun 22, 2023

The reliability of America's electric grid is no longer a guarantee amid government regulations forcing the disorderly closure of always-on power plants in favor of renewables and demand exceeding supply during critical times in several regions of the country. What have electric co-ops been doing to raise the alarm and offer solutions? Hear from NRECA CEO Jim Matheson and Associated Electric Cooperative CEO David Tudor.

Getting to Know NRECA President Tony Anderson May 15, 2023

Tony Anderson, general manager of Cherryland Electric Cooperative in Michigan, recently kicked off his two-year term as NRECA president. He’s a familiar figure in the electric cooperative program, with a career that has included working at five co-ops in five states and a high-profile charitable campaign that involved running a marathon in every state. Hear from Anderson about his career track, what he’ll focus on as NRECA president and what his priorities are going forward.

Powering Electric School Buses in Rural America Apr 13, 2023

Electric school buses are becoming a more common sight in rural school districts, thanks in part to new federal funding created by the bipartisan infrastructure law. For electric co-ops that serve these districts, what are the opportunities and challenges posed by this new demand for electricity? Hear from NRECA's Stephanie Crawford, Bradley Cherry of Grayson Rural Electric Cooperative Corp. in Kentucky and Travis Mathes of Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative in Missouri.

The Next Generation of Electric Co-op Leaders Mar 23, 2023

Over the last 50 years, the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has sent over 75,000 rural teenagers to Washington, D.C., for the “trip of a lifetime,” where they meet with their elected officials and build relationships. Through the Youth Tour and Youth Leadership Council, NRECA works to cultivate our next generation of co-op leaders. Learn more in this episode from NRECA Youth Programs and Training Manager Beth Knudson and 2023 Youth Leadership Council national spokesperson Rukaya Alrubaye.

How Direct-Pay Incentives Will Change the Game for Co-ops Feb 21, 2023

Electric co-ops saw a major victory last year with the inclusion of direct-pay incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act. The law gives co-ops and other tax-exempt entities the ability to receive reimbursements from the government for deploying new energy technologies, putting them on a playing field with for-profit providers. How does this change the game for co-ops going forward? Hear from NRECA's Paul Gutierrez, Minnkota Power Cooperative's Mac McLennan and Northeastern REMC's Eric Jung.

What It Takes for Co-ops to Enter the Broadband Space Jan 24, 2023

More than 200 electric co-ops have already built or started work to offer broadband either on their own or in a partnership, and that number will only grow with billions in funding on the way to help close the digital divide. But what does it take for a co-op to create and run a broadband business? Hear from Craig Eccher, former CEO of Tri-County REC in Pennsylvania and its broadband subsidiary, Bill Gerski of Beacon Broadband, a subsidiary of Coos-Curry EC in Oregon, and NRECA's Paul Breakman.

Co-ops Explore 'Tremendous Potential' of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Dec 08, 2022

Small modular reactors and their smaller cousins, microreactors, are getting plenty of buzz as an important potential source of carbon-free power amid the energy transition. Are they capable of delivering on their many promises from a technological and financial standpoint, and how long will it take until we could realistically expect these devices to be added to the grid? Learn more from NRECA's Dan Walsh and Copper Valley Electric Association's Travis Million.

Co-ops Navigate Historic Influx of Infrastructure Funds Nov 21, 2022

The $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law passed in late 2021 offers an unprecedented opportunity for electric co-ops to add services and improve their systems, but it also presents a challenge in terms of navigating the complicated and time-consuming process of applying for federal grants. Hear from NRECA’s Lauren Khair on the association’s infrastructure resources for co-ops and Victoria Electric Cooperative's Jessica Gray on how her co-op is managing the grant application process.

What Does an Electric Co-op Look Like to a Hacker? Oct 18, 2022

Cybersecurity Awareness Month edition: What do an electric cooperative’s internal and operational networks look like to a hacker, and what can co-ops do to tighten their defenses? Hear from Ryan Newlon, NRECA’s cybersecurity solutions principal, and Bryan Hatton, a cybersecurity researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory whose work includes “white hat hacking.”

How Co-ops Are Meeting Evolving Member Expectations Sep 23, 2022

The advent of more engaged and empowered consumer-members is driving broad changes in the way electric co-ops do business and how they communicate about the services they offer. Hear from two co-op leaders who work closely with the co-ops in their states to help them keep up with member expectations: Nelle Hotchkiss of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and Lisa Johnson of Seminole Electric Cooperative in Florida.

'Perfect Storm' of Supply Shortages—The Causes and the Co-op Response 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 like transformers, conductor and power poles. How are co-ops leading the industry in managing this supply crunch? Hear from Arkansas co-op leader Buddy Hasten and NRECA's Martha Duggan.

Introducing NRECA Broadband Jul 15, 2022

More than 200 electric cooperatives already provide broadband, and co-ops' role in this space is poised to become more prominent amid new government funding and an unprecedented resolve in the wake of the pandemic to close the digital divide. NRECA Broadband, a new service tier launched this summer, will leverage NRECA’s expertise, influence and reputation in helping co-ops enter the telecommunications sector. Learn more from NRECA CEO Jim Matheson and Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Connor.

Co-ops Play Leading Role in Community Revitalization Jun 27, 2022

As many rural areas have suffered population loss and stagnating economic growth, electric co-ops have stepped up to try to reverse this trend through broad community development efforts. Hear from Touchstone Energy® Cooperative Executive Director Jana Adams, Erica Shehane of Lynches River Electric Cooperative in South Carolina and Dan Boysel of Consolidated Cooperative in Ohio on co-ops’ efforts to bring vitality and growth back to the regions they serve

‘Super-Power’: The Impact of Hydroelectric Dams May 23, 2022

Hydropower plants are marvels of engineering that have helped bring development and prosperity to the regions they serve. But they're also in the crosshairs of interest groups that say they should be closed because of their environmental impacts and others who want to sell the facilities to private industry. Learn more from three hydropower experts: Kurt Miller of Northwest RiverPartners, Benton REA's Troy Berglund and NRECA's Ashley Slater.

Utility Drones 101 Apr 19, 2022

Electric cooperatives, whose rugged territories and unique operational needs are ideally suited to the capabilities of drones, are leading the way as unmanned aircraft take on a heightened role in the utility industry. Hear from NRECA's Stan McHann and Sangre de Cristo Electric Association's Bill Hovanec about how co-ops are pushing the limits of drones and where this promising technology is heading.

How Co-ops Foster a Strong Workplace Culture in Changing Times Mar 22, 2022

Workplaces had already been changing rapidly before COVID-19 hit, but the pace of change has accelerated to an unprecedented level since then. For co-ops, advances in technology, more interest in remote work, surging retirements and evolving member expectations have made it essential for managers to ensure that their workplace culture fosters learning and leadership development and attracts the right new talent. Learn more from Sioux Valley Energy's Tim McCarthy and NRECA's Delaine Orendorff.

What's In Store for NRECA International in 2022? Feb 15, 2022

The mission of NRECA International is to bring the insights, experience and expertise of America’s electric cooperatives to the world. But the impacts of the pandemic have complicated that mission, curtailing global electrification efforts and curbing travel. How is NRECA International overcoming these challenges and continuing to adapt? Hear from Dan Waddle, the group's leader, as well as Nick Allen, international projects director. (NRECA International is a separate legal entity from NRECA.)

EV Uptake in Rural America Jan 25, 2022

Electric vehicle sales are skyrocketing in the U.S. as Americans embrace these highly efficient, fun-to-drive machines and more car manufacturers commit to releasing all-electric models. But EV popularity has largely been centered on urban and suburban areas and slower to catch on in rural America. What are the reasons for this dynamic, and what are electric cooperatives doing about it? Hear from NRECA's Brian Sloboda and Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association's Wendy Youngren.

How Electric Co-ops Are Navigating the Energy Transition Dec 14, 2021

As changes in policy, energy markets and consumer expectations drive major changes in how utilities generate and deliver electricity, the industry faces one of its most challenging times. Co-ops have been adding wind and solar to their generation portfolios, but how does the acceleration of the energy transition affect the ability to provide reliable, affordable power? Hear from Seminole Electric Cooperative's Lisa Johnson and Pat O’Loughlin of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and Buckeye Power.

'You're Here to Take Care of a Community': Veterans Thrive in Co-op Jobs Nov 08, 2021

As co-ops face workforce challenges due to retirements and changes in the industry’s key technologies, military veterans rotating out of active duty and into civilian life bring training and expertise that's often ideally suited to co-ops’ needs. Hear from three veterans who served their country and now focus their skills on their communities as co-op employees, and learn about the Vets Power Us program from NRECA’s Desiree Dunham, who manages this effort to help veterans explore co-op careers.

Amid Rise in EVs, New Cybersecurity Considerations Emerge Oct 19, 2021

With the influx of electric vehicles into the U.S. market, utilities—including electric cooperatives—and other interests are working to build EV infrastructure that can keep pace with the expected demand, and this growing web of connected charging stations will create a host of new cybersecurity vulnerabilities. To learn more about what those vulnerabilities are and how to mitigate them, we're joined by Shannon Murry with the FBI's Cyber Division along with NRECA's Brian Sloboda.

How Can Electric Co-ops Avoid Becoming Victims of Ransomware? Oct 11, 2021

First in a two-part series for Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Ransomware became a household word earlier this year when the Colonial Pipeline, a major fuel delivery source on the East Coast, was shut down for several days after hackers attacked the company’s billing system. These highly disruptive and costly network intrusions are on the rise in the United States and globally, and businesses across the spectrum are being targeted. How can electric cooperatives avoid becoming victims of this sophisticated malware? And what should they do if they are attacked?

To answer those and other questions, we're joined by Ryan Newlon, NRECA’s principal for cybersecurity solutions, and Dave Eisenreich, a special agent with the FBI in the Cyber Division and that group’s liaison to the energy sector.

Stay tuned next week for more on cybersecurity from Along Those Lines.

Storm Recovery -- Working With FEMA To Rebuild Stronger After a Disaster Sep 28, 2021

Typically, when a state is hit with a natural disaster and the power grid is impacted, utilities will work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to rebuild to where the grid was before the event. Lately though, electric co-ops have been working to secure federal reimbursements for restorations that go further to harden their system and create more resilience. Learn more from Mike Heinen, general manager of Jeff Davis Electric Co-op in southwest Louisiana, and Martha Duggan, NRECA’s senior regulatory issues director.

This episode is sponsored by PLP.

Understanding Essence, a Co-op-Created Cyber-Defense System Aug 24, 2021

As utilities have deployed new connected technologies to monitor the grid, the need for strong cybersecurity on the operations technology side has grown exponentially. NRECA worked with co-ops and other partners to develop the Essence tool, which began as an innovative way to quickly identify anomalies on downline systems and evolved to become a robust method for detection, visualization and reporting of potential cyberattacks. Learn more about Essence from Emma Stewart, NRECA’s chief scientist.

‘A Cultural Reset’ -- How the Pandemic Has Elevated the Value of Soft Skills at Co-ops Jul 26, 2021

The concepts of emotional intelligence and soft skills in the workplace have been around for a long time, but the COVID-19 pandemic has brought them to the forefront. As electric cooperatives assess how they've managed the challenges of the past 18 months, how have lessons they've learned informed business practices going forward? Hear from NRECA's Tracey Steiner and Charlie Dunn, CEO of Farmers Electric Cooperative in Greenfield, Iowa.

Harnessing Distributed Wind: Inside the RADWIND Project Jun 22, 2021

The electric utility industry has been moving dramatically in the direction of renewable generation in recent years. Solar has found widespread adoption, with a broad mix of residential, community and utility-scale installations, while wind power has been nearly all at utility scale. Now, the Department of Energy is working to change that with a new program called Rural Area Distributed Wind Integration Network Development (RADWIND). In this episode, we go inside this innovative initiative with Michael Leitman, NRECA’s system optimization director and the RADWIND project manager, and Aaron Ruschy, vice president of operations and engineering at Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative.

Lessons Learned From the Texas Power Crisis May 25, 2021

When an unprecedented Arctic blast and winter storm hit the Midwest and South in February, Texans faced days of outages and crippling power supply shortages. What happened in Texas, why was it so much worse there than in other states, and what can we learn from this situation? Hear from Mike Williams, CEO of Texas Electric Cooperatives, as well as Mark Jones, who was part of a University of Houston research team the surveyed Texas power consumers in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

Making Solar Power Accessible to Low-Income Members Apr 22, 2021

NRECA’s Achieving Cooperative Community Equitable Solar Sources project, a three-year initiative funded by the Department of Energy, aims to bring the benefits of solar into low- and moderate-income communities. NRECA is partnering with seven co-ops across the country to deploy solar projects that help LMI consumer-members and share the lessons they learn. Hear from ACCESS principal investigator and technical adviser Deb Roepke, NRECA's Keith Dennis and Oklahoma Electric Cooperative's Nick Shumaker.

Along Those Lines: Hear From Women Making Inroads in Male-Dominated Job Roles Mar 23, 2021

The bulk of the electric cooperative workforce has traditionally been filled by men due to the nature of the work that co-ops do. But over time, women have been stepping into more and more jobs across the industry spectrum. In honor of Women’s History Month, hear from several of the women making strides and taking on leadership positions in the co-op world: Amanda Opp of Flathead Electric Cooperative, Libby Calnon of Hood River Electric Cooperative and Janet Rehberg of Tri-County Electric Cooperative.

The Ins and Outs of the FCC’s Biggest Rural Broadband Auction Feb 23, 2021

The need to close America’s digital divide is as crucial as ever, and the Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund stands to have a huge impact, with billions in funding for deploying broadband to unserved communities. NRECA’s Brian O’Hara and NRTC’s Greg Santoro break down how the RDOF auction works and outline concerns about winning bidders with unproven technologies, and Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative’s Rachel Hauser gives the perspective from a co-op that’s looking to use RDOF funding to make major progress in its broadband efforts.

Advocating for Co-op Priorities in a New Political Landscape Jan 26, 2021

With a new Congress and new administration in place, how will electric cooperatives engage with the government on their policy priorities—from the immediate COVID-19 health and economic crises to infrastructure to climate policy? Hear from Stacey Alexander, a former congressional staffer and now a political and policy consultant with the firm Subject Matter, and Louis Finkel, NRECA’s senior vice president of government relations.

Curtis Wynn on Co-ops and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dec 14, 2020

NRECA President Curtis Wynn is coming to the end of his two-year term. When he 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. In the latest episode of Along Those Lines, Wynn discusses diversity, equity and inclusion in the co-op workforce and reflects on how the industry is managing change and innovation.

How Data Is Revolutionizing the Electric Utility Industry Nov 16, 2020

The proliferation of sensors and other downline devices means electric cooperatives now have access to mountains of system data. During the 2020 NRECA TechAdvantage Conference and Expo, NRECA's Venkat Banunarayanan and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative's John Hewa discussed how co-ops are using that data to improve reliability, plan for the future and better serve their members. This episode is sponsored by IPKeys.

Heroic Co-op Employees Go Above and Beyond Oct 06, 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 resident from his burning Mississippi home.

Hear these stories of co-op heroism from Mollie Ingle and Rick Courtner of Mountain Electric Cooperative in Tennessee, Kurtis Brown of Southwest Electic Co-op in Missouri, and Wade O'Briant of Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association in Mississippi.

This episode is sponsored by Hubbell.

What Is the Beneficial Electrification League? Sep 16, 2020

The beneficial electrification movement—using electricity to replace fossil fuels for everything from mowing your lawn to powering your car—has gained momentum and led to the formation of the Beneficial Electrification League. With chapters in states across the country and a national board, the league's mission is to increase understanding of electrification's economic, consumer and environmental benefits. The league's co-chair, Gary Connett, formerly of Great River Energy, and Tri-State G&T CEO Duane Highley, who heads its Colorado chapter, chat with us about their goals for the group and how co-ops are getting involved. This episode is sponsored by NRTC.

How Co-ops Work With Federal Partners to Mitigate Wildfire Risks Aug 06, 2020

Wildfires have caused massive destruction in Western states and across the country during recent summers. Electric cooperatives reduce fire risk by maintaining rights of way and keeping equipment up to date, but their efforts are often complicated by the need to coordinate with multiple government agencies that oversee federal lands. We talk to NRECA Regulatory Issues Director Janelle Lemen, Dave Markham, CEO of Central Electric Cooperative in Oregon, and the U.S. Forest Service's Jim Menakis about how these partnerships work and how they plan to make them better.

Engaging Co-op Members in the 2020 Election: Part Two Jul 07, 2020

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 part two, Stephanie Johnson of Jasper County REMC in Indiana describes what these efforts look like on the ground in her rural service territory. This episode is sponsored by Sensus.

Engaging Co-op Members in the 2020 Election: Part One Jul 07, 2020

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 and resources for co-ops and possible changes to the election process.

This episode is sponsored by Hubbell.

How Co-ops Come Together to Recover from Storms Jun 09, 2020

Electric cooperatives across the South have already seen massive storm damage across their systems, and the 2020 hurricane season is just now getting started. When outages are too much for one co-op to handle, neighboring co-ops from within their state and across state lines are quick to lend a helping hand to get power back up and running quickly and safely. Martha Duggan, who oversees NRECA’s state and national coordination initiatives, and Michael Kelley, safety and loss director at the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives, 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. This episode is sponsored by OFS.

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. Stephen Bell, NRECA's senior director for media and public relations, and Bill Coletti, CEO of the reputation management firm Kith, talk us through their advice on how to plan for, respond to and recover from events that interrupt our normal course of business.

This episode is sponsored by G&T Communications.

Keeping Crews and Members Safe, Powered and Connected During the Pandemic Apr 21, 2020

While many Americans are working remotely to curb the spread of coronavirus, cooperative line crews and broadband technicians are essential workers, keeping members connected to power and internet.

We talk to an expert at Great River Energy, a generation and transmission co-op in Minnesota, about how his co-op is maintaining the electric grid while keeping crews safe and cybersecurity tight. Then we hear from leaders at SEMO Electric Cooperative in Missouri and Jackson Electric Cooperative in Texas about safety measures for staff and meeting the challenge of growing demand for co-op broadband.

This episode is sponsored by Ribbon.

Workplaces Evolve Amid New Generations, Changing Expectations Mar 20, 2020

With the American workplace changing dramatically due to new technologies and generational shifts, how are electric co-ops adapting while facing additional challenges unique to their rural environments? Hear from Cheryl Cran, a workplace and leadership expert, and Holly Wetzel, NRECA's senior director for marketing and member communications.

What’s Next for Co-ops and Battery Storage Feb 14, 2020

More and more electric utilities are deploying large battery systems to store power, but it’s a technology that’s still very much in its infancy. How are co-ops integrating storage, and how are they using it to serve their members? Hear from NRECA’s Jan Ahlen about the state of this key technology and from Anza Electric Cooperative's Kevin Short and AEPCO's Barry Brown about a joint utility-scale storage project to help Anza battle resiliency challenges.

Co-op Voters and the 2020 Elections Jan 10, 2020

We're kicking off the election year by delving into the critical role of rural voters: What issues are important to constituents in electric co-op territories, and what are co-ops doing to make sure their voices are heard? Hear from NRECA Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Connor and pollster Keith Frederick on what to expect in terms of political engagement in co-op country this year.

How Co-ops Are Ensuring Energy Access for All Dec 18, 2019

Advancing Energy Access for All, a new NRECA initiative, focuses on low- and moderate-income households who are at risk of being left out of some of the latest advances on the grid. Hear from NRECA’s Adaora Ifebigh, who oversees the initiative, as well as Tony Anderson, CEO of Cherryland Electric Cooperative in Michigan, which has several programs aimed at helping members in need.

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 McDonald of NRECA’s legislative team sheds light on efforts to shape federal flood mitigation priorities.

Co-ops’ Role in Protecting the Electric Grid Oct 15, 2019

Season 2 of Along Those Lines kicks off with a look at co-ops' role in protecting the national electric grid. Hear from Co-Mo Electric Cooperative's Ryan Newlon, who works with the National Guard on projects that examine real-life threats and defense strategies for cybersecurity, and NRECA’s Barry Lawson, who discusses how co-ops work with key government agencies on cybersecurity.

The Push for Congress to Save Co-ops’ Tax-Exempt Status Sep 10, 2019

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 Cooperative in Minnesota.

How Co-ops Can Be Part of the Rural Health Care Solution Aug 20, 2019

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 Cooperatives.

Beneficial Electrification 101 Jul 18, 2019

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? Get the full rundown from NRECA’s Keith Dennis, Jeff Haase of Great River Energy in Minnesota and Sam Adair of Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative in Illinois.

NRECA President Curtis Wynn Looks to Co-ops’ Future Jun 14, 2019

NRECA President Curtis Wynn first entered the electric cooperative world as a teenager. Now, he's charged with leading co-ops across the country through the challenges of a changing industry. Hear from Wynn on everything from his early career track—where his passion for community development came into focus—to his plans for helping co-ops navigate new consumer expectations and grid modernization.

Saving the Monarch Butterfly May 14, 2019

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 this iconic species.

Zero Contacts: Keeping Line Crews Safe Apr 16, 2019

As we spend April honoring lineworkers, it's time to zero in on safety and what it takes to ensure that crews don’t come into contact with live lines. Heath Martin, a co-op safety director, shares the harrowing story of a mistake early in his career as a lineworker that could have cost him his life. We're also joined by safety experts from NRECA and Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange.

The Rise of Female Lineworkers Mar 15, 2019

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we take you behind the scenes with a woman who’s making her way in a male-dominated industry. Hear the story of Kaitlyn Vaillancourt, a 21-year-old apprentice lineworker at Pedernales Electric Cooperative near Austin, Texas—the only woman among the co-op’s 200 lineworkers.

Co-op Innovation and the Evolving Grid Feb 12, 2019

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 electric co-ops’ unique position to plug into this trend: NRECA's Jim Spiers, Patty Richards from Washington Electric Cooperative in Vermont, and Lee Ragsdale from North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Advocating for Co-ops in a Divided Congress Jan 15, 2019

With a new year and a new Congress, what will emerge as key policy issues for co-ops in 2019? We're joined by Kirk Johnson and John Cassady of NRECA's government relations department to discuss how the association works with members of Congress and their staffs to represent co-op interests, and what to expect on issues ranging from infrastructure to distributed energy resources.

Waging a Comeback for Small-Town America Dec 11, 2018

Changes in the rural population over recent decades have left many Main Streets across America looking like ghost towns. What factors can help reverse that trend in the coming years? We're joined by NRECA's Jeffrey Connor, Zack Mannheimer, a proponent of "creative placemaking," and Midland Power Cooperative's Norm Fandel to discuss community development and revitalizing small towns.

Can Electric Co-ops Bridge the Digital Divide? Nov 08, 2018

For electric cooperatives, the chance to play a role in bridging the digital divide brings a major opportunity to have lasting impacts on their rural communities. We’re joined by two rural broadband experts, Mike Keyser, CEO of BARC Electric Cooperative in Millboro, Virginia, and Brian O’Hara, regulatory issues director in NRECA’s government relations team, to talk about the key issues co-ops face in pursuing broadband projects.

Rural America and the Midterms: Co-ops Should Engage With Candidates Sep 19, 2018

From the farmer at the end of the rural road to the commuters traveling the interstates to and from the suburbs, every electric cooperative consumer-member has a vote on Election Day. NRECA CEO Jim Matheson is reinforcing the value of each one of those votes. A seven-term congressman from Utah before taking the reins at NRECA in 2016, Matheson knows a thing or two about elections. In this debut edition of Along Those Lines, Matheson encourages all electric cooperative members to participate in the November elections. And he has a special message for co-op leaders about the importance of engaging with elected officials—and those who would like to be elected.

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