Get Involved in the Legislative Issues Impacting Your Cooperative! When state or federal politicians make laws affecting the electric industry, that means you will be impacted. It could mean your costs go up, it could mean power plants become more costly or difficult to build, it could affect power reliability. But the bottom line is, you are directly affected by the energy laws created in Columbus, OH, 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 defeat a state proposal that would have increased our 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, so our objective is to provide environmentally-responsible power at affordable prices in a reliable manner.

What is the Cap and Trade energy tax?

  • Click here for a simple explanation of what cap and trade is.
  • Click here for our October 2009 cap and trade presentation.
  • Click here to view an interview with Glenn English, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, on what the electric cooperatives are fighting for in the energy tax debate.

You can help in three ways:

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 the thousands of American consumers who have already sent tens of thousands of letters and emails to elected officials asking about our nation's energy and climate policy. At ourenergy.coop you'll find pre-written email letters ready to be sent to your legislators.

2. Midwest Electric Grassroots Advisors (MEGA)

About 500 Midwest Electric members have signed up for MEGA. When a legislative issue arises, we’ll send you an email with a brief description of the issue and link to our Take Action website. There you’ll find a pre-written e-mail letter, and in just a couple clicks of your mouse, you can send the letter to your legislators. It’s quick, simple and at no cost. Click here to sign up for MEGA. Or click here to visit the Take Action website.

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

More than 30,000 electric cooperative employees, trustees and members nationwide - including more than 500 Midwest Electric members - belong to this political action group. For just $2.08 per month your contribution will support legislators and candidates who support electric cooperatives. Contact us at 1-800-962-3830 for more information on COPA.

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.