President Reagan famously said that government ‘help’ can be terrifying, but the truth is that the government plays an important part in how the electric utility industry operates.
Independence Day is a special time for Ohioans to honor the courage and hard work of our founding fathers, who overcame great struggles to create a nation where values like liberty, personal freedom, and self-governance could thrive. These same values continue to guide how Ohio’s electric cooperatives operate today.
Facing today’s energy challenges
Demand for electricity in Ohio and across the country is growing quickly as new technologies, factories, and data centers all require more and more power all the time. Unfortunately, it’s only going to get more difficult to meet that demand, as many reliable power plants that run on coal or natural gas have been targeted to close before the end of their useful lives — and new power plants are not being built fast enough to replace them.
While these challenges may not compare to what the founders faced in the struggle for independence, we should be inspired by their example, using teamwork, smart planning, and determination to make sure that electricity stays reliable and affordable for the future.
The government’s role in energy
President Reagan famously said that government “help” can be terrifying, but the truth is that the government plays an important role in how the electric utility industry operates. Regulations are needed to keep the power grid stable and ensure electricity is always available and affordable, and it seems as if the current administration is actively working to both revise existing rules and establish new ones that will enable our industry to meet the nation’s energy needs.
Your co-op is ready
Ohio’s electric cooperatives are prepared to handle the challenges that lie ahead. We have enough power generation to serve our communities — with some room for growth — and because cooperatives are run by their members, we can make smart decisions about adding new resources when needed.
As we celebrate Independence Day, it’s important to think about the values that helped build our country, because it’s these same values that guide your co-op as we work to create a stronger future for our members. Remember, Independence Day is not just about remembering the past — it’s also about committing to a better tomorrow.
