“While our engagement with legislators looks different this year, local co-ops adapted to COVID-19 safety precautions and moved to mostly virtual meetings with their local legislators,” said Jay Rouse, director of Government Affairs for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “This local engagement is critical for us to reach all legislators in a year that could see significant discussions and legislation regarding energy policy, broadband policy, and other issues impacting electric co-op members.”

This year, meetings focused on a variety of issues affecting local communities, including rural broadband access and energy policy. Legislators were reminded that electric co-ops support innovation, but the pace of any change must be balanced with the cost to, and value for, members.