The electric utility industry and public power have seen drastic changes the past few years, including wholesale power price increases, shortage of water available for hydropower generation, transmission line congestion and deregulation. In 2006, the Administration's proposal to accelerate debt payments became yet another example of the challenges public power and the electric utility industry face. These changes and proposals directly affect the rates members of Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative (CCEC) pay for electricity. As a member and owner of CCEC, you have a vested interest in keeping electric rates as affordable as possible and you have a right to have your voice heard.
Four years ago Power of Community began an effort to educate consumers of electric cooperatives (co-ops) in Oregon about issues impacting electric rates and to activate members who were willing to provide input from the grassroots level. The grassroots network, sponsored by co-ops including CCEC and the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA), now numbers 7,000 strong across the state. Power of Community members are also members of People Power, a grassroots organization focused primarily on Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) issues. The BPA supplies most of the wholesale power CCEC uses to meet the needs of its membership. As such, our work is far from done – and your involvement in these grassroots movements is more important than ever.
Elected officials are interested in what you – the voter – have to say on issues that are important to you. They respond better to you than any lobbyist or organized special interest group.
You may be wondering how you learn about the issues and get involved. That's where Power of Community comes in. Information and alerts such as the one relating to the Administration's budget proposal are mailed directly to members of the Power of Community grassroots organization.
Joining Power of Community is easy. You may sign up on-line at http://www.oreca.org/power_card.htm or contact any office of CCEC. There is no charge for membership; in fact, you will be working with others to make sure the cost of power purchased on your behalf remains reliable and affordable.
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