EnergyUnited Advocates for Co-op Members in Washington, D.C.

EnergyUnited recently joined hundreds of electric cooperatives nationwide in Washington, D.C., for the 2025 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Legislative Conference. During the conference, EnergyUnited leaders met with members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation and key staff to discuss energy issues important to co-op members. These meetings also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with federal lawmakers as part of the cooperative’s efforts to deliver safe, affordable, reliable and sustainable power.

Storm Response and Grid Improvements

During the meetings, EnergyUnited leaders spoke about the cooperative’s continued support for critical federal programs. Historically, electric cooperatives have mitigated rural investment challenges and navigated severe weather impacts in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA offers critical resources to support our ability to restore power quickly and efficiently after severe weather events. Last year, EnergyUnited experienced more than $3 million in damage to our energy grid from Tropical Storm Helene. During our meetings, we urged lawmakers to protect this essential resource, which allows electric cooperatives access to federal disaster funding to repair and rebuild damaged infrastructure.

In addition to sharing our support for FEMA, EnergyUnited also highlighted the important role of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Electric Loan Program. RUS remains a cornerstone of cooperative infrastructure development. Because co-ops reliably repay these loans with interest, the RUS Electric Loan program makes money for the federal government.

Tax Credits for Clean Energy

During our meetings, EnergyUnited leaders discussed the importance of maintaining tax credits that help lower the costs for cooperatives that are investing in carbon free energy resources like solar and nuclear. EnergyUnited stands to receive nuclear tax credits that help offset our members’ costs.