Electric Cooperative Policy Priorities in 2019
Posted on Jan 7, 2019 in Legislative & Politics | Comments Off on Electric Cooperative Policy Priorities in 2019
As the new Congress gets under way, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) will be advocating on many public policy issues on behalf of electric cooperatives. Specifically, NRECA plans to (1) work to ensure that any infrastructure package will include opportunities to modernize the electric grid and expand rural broadband access, (2) encourage bipartisan support...
Inadvertent Tax Bill Language Could Jeopardize Exempt Status for Coops
Posted on Nov 28, 2018 in Legislative & Politics | Comments Off on Inadvertent Tax Bill Language Could Jeopardize Exempt Status for Coops
Coops that accept any government grants may find their tax-exempt status at risk. To be considered tax exempt, electric coops are limited to a 15 percent threshold of non-member income. As written, the 2017 tax law counts money received from any government grant as non-member income, where previously, most such grants were considered contributions to capital.
NRECA Seeks Reduction in Insurance Premiums on Coop Retirement Plans
Posted on Nov 28, 2018 in Legislative & Politics | Comments Off on NRECA Seeks Reduction in Insurance Premiums on Coop Retirement Plans
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is pushing hard in the remaining weeks of Congress this year to bring down pension insurance costs for electric coops. “Because of the strength of our network, electric coop retirement plans pose little risk of default. Yet we are required to pay insurance premiums as if we are a high-risk venture,” said NRECA CEO Jim...
NRECA Files Comments in Support of EPA Proposed Coal Plant Emissions Rule
Posted on Nov 5, 2018 in Environmental, Legislative & Politics | Comments Off on NRECA Files Comments in Support of EPA Proposed Coal Plant Emissions Rule
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and other lobbying groups representing electric utilities recently filed comments in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule, endorsing looser pollution standards for coal-fired power plant generators. The EPA hopes to finalize the ACE rule by March 2019.
Electric Industry and Government Work Together to Enhance Grid Cybersecurity
Posted on Oct 3, 2018 in Legislative & Politics, Security | Comments Off on Electric Industry and Government Work Together to Enhance Grid Cybersecurity
For years, electric utilities have worked closely with government security experts to share emerging threat data and information on vulnerabilities to thwart cyberattacks. The Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC), the main liaison between the electric industry and the federal government, aims to coordinate efforts to prepare for or respond to major disasters or threats to...
ACE Rule the ‘Best Path Forward’ for Electric Cooperatives
Posted on Oct 3, 2018 in Environmental, Legislative & Politics | Comments Off on ACE Rule the ‘Best Path Forward’ for Electric Cooperatives
On October 1, 2018, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson testified in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule. “The proposed ACE rule provides crucial flexibility so electric coops can respond to market conditions, technologies and industry changes at the same time they continue to contribute to...
NRECA Joins Coalition to Comment on Endangered Species Act Regulations
Posted on Sep 26, 2018 in Legislative & Politics | Comments Off on NRECA Joins Coalition to Comment on Endangered Species Act Regulations
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) joined the ESA Cross-Industry Coalition to submit comments in response to the three proposals from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to amend their Endangered Species Act regulations.
NRECA Identifies Top Priorities for Farm Bill
Posted on Sep 25, 2018 in Legislative & Politics | Comments Off on NRECA Identifies Top Priorities for Farm Bill
The House and Senate each passed versions of the Farm Bill earlier this summer and are seeking to reach a compromise on the legislation in the fall. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is urging lawmakers on the Farm Bill conference committee, tasked with coming up with the final version of the bill, to consider priorities of electric cooperatives.
USDA Loans $398.5 Million Dollars to Cooperatives for Infrastructure Improvements
Posted on Sep 20, 2018 in Grid & Infrastructure, Legislative & Politics, Regulation & Policy | Comments Off on USDA Loans $398.5 Million Dollars to Cooperatives for Infrastructure Improvements
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $398.5 million dollars through the Electric Infrastructure Loan Program to improve rural electric service in 13 states.
Arkansas Cooperative Qualifies for $21 Million Dollar Loan
Posted on Sep 20, 2018 in Grid & Infrastructure, Legislative & Politics, Regulation & Policy | Comments Off on Arkansas Cooperative Qualifies for $21 Million Dollar Loan
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative has qualified for a $21 million dollar loan from the Electric Infrastructure Loan Program, and it intends to use the funds to add 82 miles of transmission lines in addition to other improvements.
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