The MREA Grassroots Program
With a well-established grassroots tradition, the electric
cooperative grassroots network continues to forge important
relationships with federal, state and local officials. Telling the
cooperative story, grassroots participants urge government support for
flexibility so that electric cooperatives can operate efficiently at
the distribution, transmission and generation levels for their
sparsely-populated electric service territories. Their time-tested
participation has contributed positively to the outcome of the
legislative process.
Through the guidance of an elected board of directors, electric
cooperatives work to provide electricity at the lowest possible cost
consistent with sound management. Federal, state and local resolutions
support electric energy policies that balance safety and reliability,
affordability and environmental sensitivity.
Cooperatives also promote and fund economic development initiatives
to create jobs and maintain a high standard of living for rural
Minnesotans. In planning for electric fuel sources in the next
10, 20 or 30 years, electric cooperatives make informed decisions that
consider technology advances, fuel source availability and price,
transmission infrastructure, population densities and economic
projections.
A statewide or national association’s credibility depends on the
knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm of its members. MREA succeeds
because its member-owners interact and engage government officials in
the business of powering homes, farms and businesses. |
Directors Day in St. Paul
During the MREA annual meeting, cooperative board directors and
managers spend a day at the Minnesota Capitol discussing electric
generation, transmission and delivery policy issues with legislators.
The directors and managers serve as the frontline for explaining the
cooperative position on recently introduced bills being discussed at
the Capitol and how they impact electric rates and reliability for
rural member-owners.
Grassroots Day in St. Paul
Each legislative session, Distribution Cooperatives select
delegates from among its employees, directors, member-owners,
key account customers and others to meet with state legislators at the
Minnesota Capitol. The event is timed to coincide with final committee
debates on electricity proposals.
Grassroots advocates share professional and personal expertise on
bills that have a critical impact on the day-to-day operations of the
cooperatives and the quality and affordability of electricity to the
member-owner. The day motivates and engages grassroots advocates in
electric issues and strengthens relationships with legislators.
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