Roanoke Electric Co-op representatives recently joined other local co-ops to speak with elected officials during this year’s Rally in Raleigh. The Rally in Raleigh is an annual event led by North Carolina Electric Cooperatives to allow electric co-ops in the state the opportunity to connect with legislators at the General Assembly to discuss policy issues concerning electric co-ops, their member-owners, and communities. Many of Roanoke Electric Co-op’s executive management team and board of directors were able to attend.
Due to COVID-19, this year's Rally went virtual from March 16 through March 19 rather than meeting in person in Raleigh.
“It is always a pleasure to speak with our elected officials on topics that affect the way we serve our membership,” said Curtis Wynn, president and CEO of the co-op. “While this year’s meeting was virtual, our message remains strong regarding our member-owners’ needs. As we are advocates for affordable, reliable, environmentally conscious electric power and economic development for the state’s rural and suburban regions.”
Issues addressed included: bringing much needed broadband to our member-owners and the region, disallowing major broadband providers’ efforts to shift their special interest energy policy proposals that might adversely impact our members-owners, and providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our member-owners.
“Over the years, we’ve built relationships with our legislators based on trust,” Wynn continued. “This is why elected officials look to us as a trusted, source of feedback on rural issues that matter to the folks back home.”
Legislators that virtually met with the co-op’s board and staff included Representative Ed Goodwin, Representative Howard Hunter III, Representative Michael Wray, Senator Ernestine Bazemore, Senator Milton Fitch, Jr., and Senator Bob Steinburg.
“I would like to thank our co-op board, our staff and our neighboring co-ops for the critical discussions with our state lawmakers,” Wynn concluded.