Issue Spotlight

Issues:

Capacity
Technology
Affordability

Capacity | Top

Keeping the Lights On – Capacity
According to the Energy Information Agency, electric power usage is currently expected to increase by 1.1 percent annually. Improved energy efficiency and conservation can slow down the rate of demand growth, however, ensuring the U.S. has the power needed to grow the economy poses a serious challenge for electric utilities.

News:

Glenn English Urges Congress to Focus on Meeting Rising Demand for Electricity
July 30, 2008 - Testifying before the House Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research, NRECA CEO warns U.S. consumers could be significantly exposed to rising and volatile electricity prices. more >>

National Energy Technology Laboratory: Increased Reliance on Natural Gas Raises Energy Security and Cost Concerns
May 29, 2008 - U.S. Department of Energy analysis projects carbon cap-and-trade could lead to a 31 percent increase in the cost of electricity in regions heavily reliant on natural gas generation. more >>

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Joseph Kelliher: Planning for Energy Supply and Addressing Climate Change a Balancing Act
March 11, 2008 - 2008 National Electricity Delivery Forum offers diverse perspectives on the role of electricity delivery infrastructure in addressing climate change, demand growth, and energy security. more >>

A New Estimate by the Energy Information Administration Shows Annual Growth in Electricity Demand Dropping from 1.5 Percent, as Projected in 2007, to 1.1 Percent
March 10, 2008 - New lighting efficiency standards included in last year’s energy bill lowers a previous 2008 estimate of residential electricity usage in 2030, according to Senate testimony by Administrator Guy Caruso. more >>

NERC Outlines Major Challenges to Power System
November 1, 2007 - Unless additional supply- and demand-side resources are brought into service, some regions could fall below target capacity margins within 2-3 years, report says. more >>

Related Resources On NRECA.coop:

Electricity Capacity: Stressed Over the Next Decade (NRECA)

Other Resources:

Long-term Reliability Assessment Source: North American Electric Reliability Commission

Technology | Top

Technology to Meet Changing Energy Needs
Only with technological innovation will the U.S. be able to meet increasing demand while reducing greenhouse gases, but these innovations are not possible without substantial investment. NRECA strongly supports public-private investment in technologies to increase efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases from fossil fuels and increase our use of alternative energy.

News:

Electric Co-ops Get Behind the Carbon Reduction Technology Bridge Act of 2008
Clean Coal Energy Bonds would spur efficiency improvements for coal-fired power plants and pave the way for carbon capture and storage. more >>

Department of Energy Announces Administration Request of $648 Million for Advanced Coal Technology Research in Fiscal Year 2009
January 31, 2008 - Consistent with analyses by MIT and EPRI on how to achieve meaningful, long-term greenhouse gas reductions, NRECA and other groups had urged President Bush to request $900 million for clean coal research in his 2009 budget request. more >>

Related Resources On NRECA.coop:

Cooperatives Plan for Carbon Constraints (Cooperative Research Network)

Bold Ideas for the Next Decade’s Challenges (NRECA)

2008 NRECA Legislative Conference Briefing on Clean Coal Technology

Other Resources:

Pathways to Sustainable Power Source: Electric Power Research Institute

Affordability | Top

Keeping Electricity Affordable
As consumer-owned, not-for-profit utilities, electric cooperatives look out for the interests of their members. At a time of dramatic change in the electric utility industry, NRECA believes policy makers must take into account the impact on affordability when deciding energy policy.

News:

S&P Raises Doubts on Renewable Standards
April 11, 2008 - Portfolio standards force utilities to shift from least-cost sources toward above-market renewable sources in unprecedented quantities, says ratings firm. more >>

Flawed climate change policy could lead to "very expensive and unreliable power," warns FERC Chairman, Joseph Kelliher
April 4, 2008 - Kelliher sees advisory role for FERC in finding a balance between environmental and energy goals. more >>

The New Carbon Principles: Banking on Climate Change Legislation
February 21, 2008 - “Banks and private utilities are even now planning how to mitigate the financial risks of impending climate change legislation. Co-op leaders must do the same for consumers,” says NRECA CEO Glenn English in Electric Co-op Today. more >>

Related Resources On NRECA.coop:

Assuring Affordable and Reliable Electricity (NRECA)

Other Resources:

Consumers in Peril Source: American Public Power Association

No Time to Waste Source: Consumer Federation of America