Search










 Climate_Change

The Power in Your Future!

Click here to watch this video

Your help is needed! Get involved in the legislative issues affecting your electric cooperative! When state or federal politicians pass laws affecting the electric industry, you can be sure that you and your electric bill will be directly affected. It could mean much-needed power plants will be more costly or difficult to build, it could affect power reliability, and it could mean your electric bill will increase. The bottom line is, you are directly affected by the energy legislation created in Columbus, Ohio, and Washington, D.C.

That’s why we want you to be involved in our political action efforts. Recently, our member-driven political action efforts helped to defeat a state proposal that would have increased the kilowatt-hour tax by $300,000. Currently, we’re faced with legislation related to alleged “climate change” and “global warming.” These bills, if enacted, could be devastating to individual homeowners and businesses as well as our economy. Remember, we are customer-owned and not-for-profit, and our objective is to provide environmentally-responsible power at affordable prices in a reliable manner.

Ways that you can help your electric co-op:

1. Our Energy, Our Future - A Dialogue with America

Our Energy, Our Future is a national movement for members of America's electric cooperatives. Visit www.ourenergy.coop to join with the thousands of American consumers who have already sent more than 600,000 letters and emails to elected officials asking about our nation's energy and climate policies. Productive dialog begins by asking though questions and requiring straight answers.

2. Take Action Network - Make your voice heard

When a legislative issue arises, the Take Action Network will notify you by email about issues that affect you. The Take Action Network allows you to make your voice heard in the halls of Congress and in your own state legislature. Not only is it your right to tell your legislators what you think about proposed legislation, it is also your duty!

The Take Action Network web site provides pre-written letters, and in just a couple clicks of your mouse, you can send letters to your legislators. It’s quick, simple and no cost to you. Click here to visit the Take Action web site and make your voice heard.

3. Co-op Owners for Political Action (COPA)

Today, electric co-ops are facing many legislative issues that will affect the future operations of the cooperatives and the rates paid by electric co-op members. Firelands Electric Cooperative members can help by joining the ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action (COPA) program, which provides a convenient way for member-owners of electric cooperatives to participate in the political affairs of their co-op. The participation of member-owners helps ensure that the voice of electric cooperatives remains strong and effective in the political arena.

More than 33,000 cooperative employees, trustees, and members nationwide belong to this political action group. A voluntary contribution to COPA of just $2.08 per month helps support legislators and candidates who support electric cooperatives. COPA members participate in a nationwide grassroots community with a strong collective voice working on behalf of electric cooperatives and their members. Also COPA members receive current information on legislative and political issues affecting local electric cooperatives and their members. For more information on ACRE/COPA, please contact the Director of Member Services at Firelands Electric Cooperative by e-mail members@firelandsec.com or call 1-800-533-8658.

4. Learn more about climate change and what you can do to conserve energy and shape decisions about Ohio's energy options.

* Need Adobe® Reader?

To view PDFs, you must have Adobe® Acrobat® Reader installed on your computer. You can download the free software here from the official Adobe web site.

 
© 2010 Firelands Electric Cooperative