A Thimbleful of Co-op Vision

As the electric utility industry works with others to address the problem of global climate change, one thing is clear: technological innovation flowing from human creativity is virtually limitless.
 
We will need the creative energy of our best engineering minds if we are to find a balanced solution that meets the nation’s growing appetite for energy while meeting industry’s obligation to help reduce greenhouse gases.
 
Part of the co-op challenge is to convince elected representatives that technological innovation offers the best strategy for reaching affordable and long term solutions. 
 
Your Board of Directors is taking a long, hard look at the effectiveness of energy efficiency and conservation in order to maximize the value of member service and minimize the impact outside factors are having on electric bills. Not since the energy crises of the 1970s­-early 1980s have efficiency and conservation received so much attention.
 
Electric cooperatives are     
recognized industry leaders in promoting energy efficiency to help consumer-members reduce electricity consumption and save money. You may have taken notice of the new Take Control and Save Program at Access Energy Cooperative.
 
In the 1930s, electric co-ops demonstrated their vision for a more productive rural America by committing to delivering electricity to the very last house on the line. Their vision—and the work of those who followed in their footsteps and the creation of the REA—built a generation and distribution network that reliably serves 40 million Americans in 47 states today.
 
A thimbleful of their vision will be enough to guide us through the current challenge. May we be worthy of their legacy.