Along Those Lines

Latest Episodes:

Changing Threat Surface: Evolving Grid Poses New Co-op Cybersecurity Challenges Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Deployment is surging across the country for distributed energy resources, such as rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems, as well as EVs and their charging infrastructure. These assets can benefit the grid and co-op consumers by shaving loads during times of high demand, reducing energy bills and keeping the lights on amid power outages—but they also introduce new cybersecurity challenges. Learn more from NRECA's Carter Manucy and North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives' Cooper Cash.

Lifting All Boats: Co-ops Talk Value of Rural Broadband, Partnership With NRECA Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

With help from NRECA Broadband, co-ops providing internet service are boosting the quality of life in their communities. Federal funding is critical to that mission but comes with its own set of challenges. On this episode of Along Those Lines, we'll talk to NRECA's Erin Dobozy on how NRECA Broadband helps co-ops access these funding programs, and we'll hear about broadband success stories and policy priorities from Beacon Broadband's Val Early and Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications' Jeff Blagg.

'A Forward-Looking Process': Co-op Leaders Share Succession Planning Strategies Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

The electric co-op workforce is on the cusp of big change, with a large portion of leadership and other employees nearing retirement age in the coming years. But succession planning involves more than hiring someone's replacement—it's about creating a co-op that's ready for the future. Hear from NRECA Director of Human Capital Planning & Compensation Delaine Orendorff, Deaf Smith Electric Cooperative President and General Manager Tim Burkhalter and Wells Rural Electric Co. CEO Thad Ballard.

The Legacy of the Rural Electrification Act Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

When the Rural Electrification Act was signed in 1936, only 10% of U.S. farms and rural homes had power. But the REA helped achieve near universal electrification in rural America and is still vital to ensuring that co-ops can deliver affordable, reliable power, including through the RUS electric loan program. To mark the REA's 90th anniversary, we'll talk to NRECA CEO Jim Matheson and RUS Administrator Karl Elmshaeuser on the law's legacy and how co-ops continue to carry out its mission.

'It's In Our Principles': North Dakota Statewide Food Project Shows Concern for Community May 11, 2026

Show notes

Food deserts are a major challenge in rural America, leaving many communities without easy access to affordable, nutritious food. The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives is forging an ambitious solution to this problem. With help from a large new grant, the statewide's rural development center is launching a regional grocery and food hub to tackle hunger in north central North Dakota. Hear more about this project from NDAREC's Josh Kramer and Ellen Huber.

Unpacking the Surge in U.S. Electricity Demand Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

After decades of stagnant growth, U.S. power demand is set to jump in the years ahead. Data centers will be a big part of the increase, but other sources could rival those gains. On this episode of Along Those Lines, we take a closer look at these demand growth drivers with Lidija Sekaric, NRECA's vice president of innovation and emerging technology, and David Porter, vice president of electrification and sustainable energy strategy at EPRI.

Co-op Safety Conversation Evolves as Annual Summit Draws Record Interest Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Along Those Lines, we're joined by NRECA Director of Safety Programs Ken Macken and Johnie Hendrix, vice president of risk management and training for the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. Ken and Johnie will talk about new ways that NRECA, statewide organizations and co-ops are working to improve safety. They'll also give program highlights of the upcoming NRECA Safety Leadership Summit in St. Louis, Missouri, which is smashing past registration records.

Award-Winning CEO Shares Her Co-op's Communication Strategy Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

Effective communication by electric co-ops—through good times and bad—builds member loyalty and better aligns and engages co-op employees. In this episode, Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson, this year's winner of the J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award, shares her thoughts on how to leverage new and traditional media platforms to reach members and educate the public. She also gives tips on improving internal communication between co-op leadership and staff.

Kate Steel Leads NRECA International Into Its Next Chapter Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

For over 60 years, NRECA International has helped bring electricity to unserved or underserved parts of the world, drawing on lessons learned from the U.S. electrification story. Hear from NRECA International's new senior vice president, Kate Steel, on how the organization is staying true to its mission as it charts a new path toward global electrification as well as how co-ops and others can support this vital work.

Electric Co-ops Manage Unprecedented Data Center Growth Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Data center development is surging to meet demand for cloud applications, cryptocurrency, streaming services and AI. Electric co-ops are at the center of it, with some fielding multiple new requests at a time to serve data centers. These large loads can benefit co-ops and their communities in a number of ways—and they also pose a host of challenges. Learn more from NRECA's Allison Hamilton, Wabash Valley Power Alliance's Jeff Conrad and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp.'s JD Lowery.

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