This spring, leaders from electric cooperatives across North Carolina met with legislators both at home and in Washington, D.C., to speak about the important work co-ops are doing across the state and advocate on behalf of their members.

The discussions happened at two events in May: the national Legislative Conference (coordinated by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association), and the annual “Rally in Raleigh.”

“It is critical that our elected officials understand the perspectives of cooperative members, and these events provide an impactful opportunity to share that perspective and demonstrate our member-focused mission,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president at North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Co-op officials focused their discussions on how the state’s electric co-ops are finding innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of their members — through deploying new technology and service offerings — while remaining committed to rural economic and community development, education grants, scholarships and excellent electric reliability.

The messages resonated.

In a meeting with officials from Roanoke Electric Cooperative and Halifax EMC, state Representative Michael Wray noted that cooperatives are great at outreach and supporting their communities.

State Senator Rick Gunn was impressed by co-op innovations in consumer engagement.

“It’s clear that North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are leaders in energy innovation,” Gunn said. “Their consumer-focused business model puts them in a prime position to adapt to the changes we’re seeing in the electric utility industry.”