Along Those Lines

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NRECA Defense Summits Address Military's Evolving Energy Needs Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

More than 140 electric co-ops serve Department of Defense facilities or Coast Guard stations, and co-ops own, operate and maintain the power distribution grids at 31 military installations through utility privatization contracts. Hear from NRECA's Lauren Khair, Kodiak Electric Association's Dan Menth and Kotzebue Electric Association's Tom Atkinson about a new series of Defense Summits to tackle grid modernization challenges amid the changing energy needs of our armed services.

Electric Co-ops Mount Multipronged Campaign to Improve FEMA Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

FEMA provides crucial funding to co-ops after disasters, allowing them to restore power faster and make their infrastructure more resilient while limiting related costs for members. But FEMA is far from perfect, with many co-ops facing issues with accessing funding. Hear from NRECA's Jim Matheson, Florida Electric Cooperatives Association's Mike Bjorklund and Vermont Electric Co-op's Rebecca Towne on why FEMA is so essential and how a bipartisan bill in Congress could improve the agency.

Co-ops Embrace Cultural Evolution Amid a Generational Workforce Shift Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Electric co-ops are experiencing a historically broad and rapid shift in their organizational culture, driven largely by an influx of younger, tech-savvy employees amid a wave of retirements and turnover, along with other changes in the industry. Co-ops are bringing creativity and innovation to the challenge, adapting everything from onboarding processes to learning opportunities to leadership development. Learn more from NRECA's Delaine Orendorff and SLEMCO's Katherine Domingue.

2025 NRECA Regional Meetings to Focus on Co-ops' Most Pressing Issues Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

NRECA's 2025 Regional Meetings kick off Sept. 3 in Providence, Rhode Island. The five meetings, which will take place across the country through October, are a key step in the member resolutions process that guides NRECA's policy advocacy. The meetings are also a chance for co-op leaders to discuss the most pressing issues of the day—from growing data center demand to innovative ways they're serving members. Learn more about the agenda from NRECA's Jeffrey Connor, Erin Pressley and Pat Mangan.

How Co-ops are Educating Their Members on Rooftop Solar Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Rooftop solar is gaining popularity with homeowners and businesses, leading to a surge in installations over the past decade. But the technology isn't right for everyone, and electric co-ops are doing their part to help consumer-members make informed decisions and avoid misleading or inaccurate information from some third-party vendors. Hear from Lidija Sekaric, NRECA vice president of innovation and emerging technology, and Neal Brown, member services and marketing manager for Garkane Energy.

Co-ops Confront Growing Threat of Wildfires Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

Drier and hotter weather conditions are creating longer wildfire seasons in many parts of the country, and even regions not typically at risk of wildfires are vulnerable. In this episode, learn how electric co-ops are dealing with this growing threat and how a bill in Congress, the Fix Our Forests Act, could help with mitigation efforts. Hear from NRECA's Erin Kelly and Hannah Hardin as well as West Oregon Electric Cooperative's Billi Kohler.

Co-ops Using Elective-Pay Credits to Meet 'Unique Future Goals' May 19, 2025

Show notes

After years of advocacy from NRECA, Congress passed legislation in 2022 that allows electric co-ops to access federal tax credits for certain energy projects, including renewable power facilities, through an elective-pay option. These incentives can slash costs for co-ops to build, own and operate eligible generation and energy storage projects. Hear from NRECA's Hill Thomas as well as Doug Browne of North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives on how co-ops are reaping the benefits of these credits.

Co-ops Confront Growing Threat of Third-Party Cyber Incidents Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Cybersecurity incidents involving the systems and data of third-party vendors are on the rise for utilities in the U.S. It's a worrying trend that has directly impacted electric co-ops, and industry cyber professionals are working hard to counteract it. In this episode, NRECA's Carter Manucy discusses what co-ops are doing to enhance security and mitigate this threat, and Blue Ridge Energy's Tanner Greer discusses how his co-op dealt with a third-party cyber incident in 2023.

Executive Actions Underscore Co-ops' Reliability Message Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

East Kentucky Power Cooperative's Tony Campbell joined President Donald Trump for a White House ceremony on April 8 to sign four major actions to boost power reliability and affordability. Campbell's invitation to speak at this event is a high-profile recognition of the role that co-ops have played in shaping the national conversation about grid reliability. Hear from Campbell as well as NRECA CEO Jim Matheson about the impact these executive actions will have on co-ops.

Getting to Know New NRECA President Mike Partin Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Earlier this month, Mike Partin was elected president of NRECA at the PowerXchange conference in Atlanta. Partin has been CEO of Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative in central Tennessee since 2015. He joined the co-op in 1998 and has represented Tennessee on the NRECA board of directors since 2019. Hear from Partin about his thoughts on leadership, what the future looks like for electric cooperatives and what specific things he'll focus on during his two-year tenure as president.

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