Ways You Can Help Your Electric Co-op

The Power is in Your Future!

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 our portion of Ohio kilowatt-hour taxes 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.

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 e-mails to elected officials asking about our nation's energy and climate policies.

Productive dialog begins by asking questions and requiring straight answers, and at www.ourenergy.coop you'll find pre-written e-mail letters ready to be sent to your legislators.

2. Take Action Network - Make your voice heard

When a legislative issue arises, the Take Action Network will notify you by e-mail 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)

The ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action® (COPA) program is an exciting opportunity for Firelands' residential member-owners to strengthen their voice in the political process. For more than 30 years, the Action Committee for Rural Electrification® (ACRE) has been working to educate and support candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives who understand and support electric cooperatives and their member-owners.

ACRE has added COPA to strengthen this support. New COPA members join more than 30,000 electric cooperative employees, trustees and members nationwide - including more than 300 Firelands Electric members - who belong to this political action group. For just $2.08 per month ($25 per year) your contribution will support legislators and candidates who support electric cooperatives. For more information on ACRE/COPA, please contact us at (800) 533-8658.

Our ability to serve you depends on your determination to stand together with us as part of a grassroots network that sends a strong message to our elected officials on behalf of member-owned electric cooperatives. Today, electric co-ops are facing many legislative issues that will affect the future operations of the cooperative and the rates paid by co-op members. The participation of member-owners helps ensure that the voice of electric cooperatives remains strong and effective in the political arena.

Contributions are used to help educate elected representatives about issues affecting your co-op and you; and to explain how proposed legislation could harm or help rural electric consumers and their cooperatives. For more information on ACRE/COPA, please contact us at (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.

 

Together We Save