As this issue goes to press, Congress is embroiled in a controversial discussion on health care reform. While the debate on universal health care has temporarily sidetracked the Senate’s discussion on the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), we expect the Senate will have resumed its work on this bill during September.

When first introduced, the legislation would have increased electric bills for the typical North Carolina household by 40 percent or more. French Broad EMC, along with hundreds of other electric cooperatives across the country, has worked hard to educate legislators about the importance of keeping electricity affordable while addressing climate change — especially in the current economy where many are already struggling with costs. We’ve had some success with protecting costs although we are still seeking improvements to the bill in the Senate.

It’s too early to determine the ultimate cost impact to consumers, but the estimated cost of the legislation has decreased with recent amendments to the bill. This is due in part to the language of the revised bill moving much of the costs of reducing greenhouse gases to after the year 2025. We’re pleased the timeline is being lengthened because this helps shield consumers from dramatically rising costs over the next few years. Realistically, it will take a long time — many decades — to achieve significant reduction of greenhouse gases. A longer timeline also allows for the development of technology that can help us meet our nation’s environmental and energy goals.
As we share French Broad Electric’s view with Senators Burr and Hagan, here’s what we are saying:

• We must balance protection of the environment with cost impacts to consumers and our nation’s ability to recover from the recession.
• We will need all energy resources to meet our nation’s energy needs in the 21st century. This includes nuclear, coal, natural gas, hydro, and renewables.
• We should set the National Renewable Energy Standard at 15 percent and give states the flexibility to meet 25 percent of the standard through energy efficiency measures.
• We must be realistic in developing a carbon cap-and-trade policy. We favor allocation of permits with a long-term phase-in of carbon caps and permit auctions. If we get this one wrong, we could see a reduction in greenhouse gases solely because our economy is in the tank.

Tough choices call for strong voices, and no voice is stronger than the combined force of 42 million electric cooperative members across the nation. Together we can choose to speak up for affordability. We can choose to invest in technology to keep energy costs affordable and reliable while encouraging reasonable goals for the use of renewable energy resources like wind, solar, and biomass. Most importantly we can choose to work together, calling on Congress to work with electric cooperatives to address climate change, national energy policy, and consumer cost protection.

More than 370,000 electric co-op members have decided to join the national conversation on this issue, making their voices heard. Make sure your voice — and your choice — count. Visit www.FindaBalanced Solution.com and choose to be heard today.

Thank You,

Jeff Loven
Email: jeff.loven@frenchbroademc.com


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