5/04/01

Each May, a number of director and manager representatives from Kentucky's 27 electric cooperatives converge in Washington, D. C., to meet with their Congressional representatives and discuss significant electric co-op issues. About 85 representatives made this year's April 30 through May 2 trip.

The trip kicked off on Monday, April 30, with the group receiving an orientation on current issues of significance from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The following morning - May 1 - Kentucky's co-op family provided an orientation program for newer Congressional staff members, which explained the history of co-ops, organizational structure, our position on electric utility restructuring, the role of managers and directors, and our purpose for being in existence. 

Following the orientation program, Kentucky Senators Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning each addressed the crowd in individual presentations, and later that afternoon each of the six members of the House of Representatives spoke. Each presentation by a Kentucky Congressional delegate was followed by a Q&A session. 

Among the issues discussed in these forums were electric utility restructuring, the national reaction to the various problems in California, jurisdiction over co-ops by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, various federal funding programs - including those of Rural Utilities Service, weatherization assistance, environmental protection, low-income heating and energy assistance, and local TV act funding. Also discussed were the implications of repealing the Public Utility Holding Act.

On Wednesday morning, May 2, Kentucky's co-ops hosted a 90-minute breakfast function for the entire Congressional delegation. Following the breakfast, Roy Palk, president and CEO of East Kentucky Power in Winchester, spoke on the need for a state and federal energy policy. Following Mr. Palk's presentation, those Congressional delegates present once again provided brief responses.

Kentucky's electric cooperatives, which provide electric service to about one-third of Kentucky's population, have hosted an annual Congressional breakfast since the 1960s. It's an excellent example of democratic grass roots efforts and a great investment in time and resources on behalf of electric co-ops members throughout Kentucky.

Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc. 4515 Bishop Lane * Louisville, KY  40218 502-451-2430 * FAX: 502-459-3209 Terms of Use