From the Top

Every few years, federal energy policy shifts. Administrations change, rules evolve and with them, expectations around how electricity is generated and delivered. That’s nothing new for our industry — it’s part of the job.

At our cooperative, we’ve always adapted. We were born in politics. That means staying alert grounded in our mission, no matter what laws or policies come down the line.

Recently, new federal regulations have focused more on what types of power plants can operate and which may be phased out. These are high-stakes decisions. Power plants aren’t quick builds. They take years to develop and are often built to last 30 to 50 years. With investments sometimes reaching into the billions, it’s tough to align that with policies that can shift every few years. But we manage it. We always have.

Now, the biggest challenge isn’t just policy — it’s demand. Artificial intelligence drives electricity needs far beyond what we expected from electric vehicles. Data centers are fueling a new load, and the power supply is suddenly in the spotlight globally.

This level of attention brings challenges and opportunities. Tech companies are investing heavily and moving fast. But everything — from the most minor chip to the largest data center — still relies on one thing: electricity. That puts us in a critical role.

We’ve seen some interest from data centers in our region. However, we can’t currently serve large new loads on short timelines. That’s where a recent policy shift helps. It allows companies to generate their power on-site, easing pressure on the grid. It’s an innovative, practical solution that lets them move forward while we focus on serving our members reliably.

No matter what changes in Washington, our commitment stays the same: delivering safe, dependable electricity to you. For more on current legislation affecting energy, I encourage you to read From the Capitol: Your Quarterly Legislative Update in this issue.

We’ll keep showing up, adapting as needed and staying focused on what matters most: powering our communities today and preparing for what’s next.