“Our members need affordable, reliable power—that’s what they expect from their cooperative,” said Dennis Mabe, CEO of Randolph Electric Membership Corporation. “This expectation is exactly why North Carolina’s electric co-ops hold events like our Rally in Raleigh. Cooperatives work with legislators to prioritize rational public policy that protects our members and keeps the lights on with always-available resources.”

“As part of the Rally in Raleigh, co-op leaders share updates from their co-ops and advocate for policies that protect their ability to provide reliable and affordable power to their members,” said Paul Mott, manager of government affairs for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “These conversations help legislators understand the impacts of current legislation on their constituents.”

As North Carolina’s energy needs continue to grow, electric cooperatives are focused on solutions that ensure long-term reliability and affordability for members, including dispatchable generation such as natural gas and new nuclear resources.

“It’s our responsibility to educate our legislators about escalating energy demands and challenging cost pressures,” said Mabe. “We hear from state senators and representatives often that they rely on electric co-op leaders as a means of staying in touch with issues affecting rural communities,” said Mott.

“We take that role seriously, and opportunities like the Rally in Raleigh demonstrate the strength of the cooperative network and our commitment to rural North Carolina.”