As a new year unfolds, it's important that we continue our conversation about ways we can work together to keep your electric bills affordable.

During the 2010 session of Congress, we kept you updated on “cap-and-trade” legislation and how it would certainly lead to higher electricity cost. We encouraged you to become involved, and many of you discussed these issues with your congressman. In the end, Congress did not pass a climate bill. We believe that is good for you.

But the battle is not over! This year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin regulating greenhouse gasses. The EPA will be considering policies dealing with the operation of power plants and other stationary sources of emissions. Its decisions will lead to higher costs.

We're joining electric co-ops nationally to ask Congress for a much-needed time-out—a two-year moratorium on EPA regulation of carbon dioxide greenhouse gases. A delay would give lawmakers the opportunity to fashion climate-change legislation that protects you, our members, and keeps electric bills affordable.

What will it cost?

Can we balance the environment and economy?

America needs a balanced and sustainable long-term energy policy. Electric cooperatives from the Great Plains to the East Coast have joined together to help educate consumers and elected officials about the effects of climate change legislation and the development of an energy policy. Voice your support for a balanced solution to our energy needs – one that produces real environmental results without further harming our economy.

For archive information, click on the one of the following links:
Our Energy Future - information about legislation that was before the 2010 U.S. Congress
Mississippians stand to lose! - How will national legislations affect energy cost in Mississippi
Renewables- Comparing reality with expectations
We heard from You! - a summary of 2008 survey results conducted in Mississippi
We believe in straight talk - what you need to know, including definition of terms