Along Those Lines

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.

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