Working for You in Washington, D.C.

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative to Join National Legislative Conference, April 27–30

At Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, we know how important safe, reliable, and affordable electricity is to your daily life. As the demand for electricity continues to grow and power generation evolves, it's more important than ever to ensure that smart, balanced energy policies are in place to protect the reliability and affordability you count on.

One way we advocate for our members is by engaging directly with lawmakers on the issues that matter most to rural energy providers and the communities we serve.

Later this month, cooperative leaders from across the country—including representatives from right here in Wisconsin—will gather in Washington, D.C. for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Legislative Conference. This annual event provides an important opportunity to speak directly with members of Congress about the challenges and opportunities we face in the energy industry.

During our time on Capitol Hill, we’ll be sharing the unique perspective of electric cooperatives in Wisconsin and across the country. Our message is clear: rural America needs a dependable, affordable power supply supported by a diverse mix of energy sources and common-sense regulations that allow us to meet growing energy demands.

Some of the key topics we’ll be discussing with federal policymakers include:

• Improving environmental permitting processes to help build and maintain critical infrastructure more efficiently.
• Opposing costly and burdensome regulations, like the EPA Power Plant Rule, that could threaten grid reliability and drive up costs.
• Highlighting the importance of federal hydropower resources as a low-cost, reliable energy source.
• Supporting legislation to streamline vegetation management, helping reduce wildfire risks and ensure system reliability.
• Ensuring continued funding for federal programs that support cooperative energy projects—including the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service loan program, the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) loan and grant program, and other Department of Energy initiatives.

By engaging directly with lawmakers, we make sure the voice of rural Wisconsin is heard—and that the policies shaping our energy future reflect the needs of our members.

Electricity is the foundation of modern life, powering everything from homes and schools to farms and businesses. That’s why our commitment to advocacy is just one more way we’re working to keep your lights on and your energy affordable.

We’re proud to represent our members at the national level and look forward to continuing the important work of securing a strong energy future for our community.