Each April, leaders from electric cooperatives across the United States gather in Washington, D.C. to advocate for common co-op issues and improve service to members.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) organizes the event and leads informational sessions, preparing co-op leaders to discuss federal issues electric co-ops are currently battling.

CHELCO sent Senior Vice President of Member Services and External Affairs Emily Cowan and District 2 Trustee Terry Pilcher to join other co-ops from across Florida to visit legislative offices, attend informational sessions, and network with other electric cooperatives to understand the issues and successes in their states and co-ops.

Cowan and Pilcher met with the offices of Congressman Jimmy Patronis and Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody to emphasize the electric cooperatives’ support for H.R. 4669, The FEMA Act, a comprehensive bill that revamps many aspects of FEMA while keeping the agency intact.

What Are the Issues?
Co-ops support the FEMA Act, which includes language to reimburse interest expenses incurred while waiting years for FEMA to reimburse disaster-related power restoration expenses. Florida electric cooperatives have paid millions in interest in recent years while waiting for FEMA reimbursements.

Permitting reform is needed, as the overly bureaucratic federal permitting process imposes unreasonable timelines and drives up costs for essential infrastructure projects needed for Florida’s continued growth.

Co-ops encourage congressional leaders to support policies beneficial to our consumer-members and continually advocate for our communities on the importance of safe, reliable, and affordable energy.