DIRECTOR'S CORNER

By Tom Graham, District 9, CCD, BLC, DGC

The Energy Cooperative Board of Directors strives to represent the interests of our membership and guide the cooperative in ways that benefit its members. We take classes, read articles, meet with legislators, and attend conferences to learn about current trends in energy and the political climate and how these trends may affect our members.

Solar panels are now found on many of our neighborhood rooftops more often than in years past. Comparably, wind turbines are more prevalent in landscapes with more wind. Renewable generation is increasing, but at the end of 2023, wind and solar still accounted for only 18% of the US energy mix.

It is important to note that the demand for electricity is on the rise and is expected to accelerate over the next decade. This is primarily due to the expansion of industries like data centers, robust investment in new and existing manufacturing sectors like semiconductors and batteries, and the increasing deployment of electric vehicles. These factors present both challenges and opportunities for the energy industry.

This is all happening while thermal and fossil fuel generation are declining due to government regulations to curb CO2 emissions. In 2023, electricity generation from fossil fuels was 60%, natural gas was 43%, and coal declined to 16.2%. Nuclear generation, which has zero emissions, accounts for 18.6%. A note worth mentioning is that Congress has approved $60M to support existing nuclear generation and additional funding to research advanced science such as nuclear fusion.

The energy industry is complex, with changing policies and increasing regulations. Amidst these challenges, The Energy Cooperative management and Board of Directors, along with our National and State Cooperative partners, remain committed to providing safe and reliable energy.