Last week, Mid-Ohio Energy teamed with neighboring electric cooperative Logan County Electric to host a legislative update for members who participate in the co-op's grassroots political action program (America's Electric Cooperatives PAC). The event was held in the warehouse of the co-op's Kenton office and featured a lunch buffet provided by Coonie's Place Restaurant of Larue.
John Metcalf (President & CEO of Mid-Ohio Energy) and Tim Street (President & CEO of Logan County Electric) welcomed guests and thanked them for taking an active interest and role in supporting the interests of electric cooperatives, their members, and the communities they serve.
Legislators attending included Congressman Jim Jordan, Congressman Bob Latta, representatives from the offices of Senator Bernie Moreno and Senator Jon Husted, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, and Ohio Rep. Tim Barhorst. Each gave a brief update from their office, providing national and state perspectives. Ohio's Electric Cooperatives President & CEO Craig Grooms also addressed the crowd to provide an update on how electric cooperatives are working with legislators to advocate for affordable, reliable energy.
Congressman Jim Jordan thanked those in attendance for being engaged and involved, noting "Your voice matters in Washington D.C."
Congressman Bob Latta acknowledged "We need more energy" as the nation is seeing unprecedented growth in energy demand, largely due to the needs of data centers, which require continuous power to support AI and other emerging technologies.
Craig Grooms, President & CEO of Ohio's Electric Cooperatives spoke to underscore the importance of member involvement, and support for legislation that prioritizes reliable energy.
"Ohio's cooperatives have adequate generation to serve the needs of our members. However, the concern about grid reliability is real because of the complicated nature of our grid and regulatory structure," Grooms told the group. "For this reason decisions made in Columbus and Washington effect local members. Your engagement is of utmost importance."
The cooperative network, working for you
At Mid-Ohio Energy, we understand it's critical to develop and cultivate relationships with local legislators who craft, introduce, and vote on legislation that impacts our local business, environment, and quality of life.
While we're a local entity owned and governed by our members, we also have access to a wealth of resources and knowledge from the state and national network of cooperatives. We work to balance our unique position in order to cultivate positive, productive relationships with legislators because we’re advocating on behalf of the communities we serve.
Contributions to the NRECA America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC are voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits contributions from foreign nationals who lack permanent resident status. Any contribution guidelines presented are merely suggestions. You are free to contribute more or less than the suggested amounts, or not at all. NRECA will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount contributed or a decision not to contribute.