In early May, a delegation of MPEI directors and staff discussed electric co-op concerns and issues with legislators in Washington, D.C. MPEI Board President Ross Caldwell, board member Jeff Hauck and Assistant GM Tom Sifers joined 90 Colorado electric co-op leaders and an estimated 2,500 representatives of electric co-ops across the country in bringing specific co-op concerns to Congress' attention.

Sens. Michael Bennet (D) and Mark Udall (D) met with the group, as did Reps. Jared Polis (D-Dist. 2), John Salazar (D-Dist. 3), Betsey Markey (D-Dist. 4), Doug Lamborn (R-Dist. 5), Mike Coffman (R-Dist. 6), and Ed Perlmutter (D-Dist. 7). Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Dist. 1) was ill and sent her legislative aid in her stead.

Your MPEI Board and management staff's annual trip to D.C. is critical in helping elected officials weigh the concerns of electric co-ops with legislation and regulatory matters that affect the cost of electricity. This is one example of how MPEI is committed to representing its members interests.

At this year's legislative rally, Colorado's co-op delegation focused its message to Congress on the following:

1 - Preserving historic levels of funding for the 75-year-old Rural Utilities Service, which has provided low-interest loans for not-for-profit rural co-ops and netted the government $63 million.

2 - Supporting HR 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Program Act, which provides funding for electric co-ops interested in offering low-interest energy efficiency loans.

3 - Advocating that the EPA should not use the Clean Air Act as a vehicle for regulating greenhouse gas emissions.

4 - Reminding Congress that electric co-ops are not-for-profit, consumer-governed entities, focused on affordable rates and service, despite having fewer resources than IOUs or municipals to keep rates low.

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