Nearly 50 co-op managers, trustees, and staff joined together at the Kansas State Capitol Feb. 18, to advocate for electric cooperatives at the third annual KEC (Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.) Day at the Capitol event.
“The Day at the Capitol is a great way to show legislators that we are involved participants in the legislative process and advocate for issues that are important to rural electric members throughout the state of Kansas,” said Tara Mays, Director of Government Relations for KEC.
Co-op attendees hosted a lunch for the legislators, met with elected officials, and attended committee hearings and legislative sessions.
The meeting helps legislators better understand electric co-ops and the issues that impact rural Kansas. Co-op officials reminded legislators that cooperatives are not-for-profit, consumer-owned, and self-governed businesses actively engaged in the political process.
The primary talking points of the day included explaining the London Economic International (LEI) utility rate study and demonstrating that electric cooperatives are key stakeholders that should take part in the development of a comprehensive energy plan. Members also discussed electric vehicles, broadband, competitive electric markets, and renewable generation.
“One of the things that I’ve been most impressed with the co-ops’ whole system, is the sense of pride and ownership that board members and members take in having their own utility,” said Senator Jeff Longbine. “I think it’s a great way for us, as legislators, to get a real feel for the importance of power to them.”
Speaker Ron Ryckman, Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers, Representative Barbara Wasinger, and Senate President Susan Wagle addressed the group regarding bills aimed at advancing rural revitalization efforts, the importance of rural communities to the state’s economy, what it is like to serve in the state legislature, and perspectives on the recent LEI study.
Attending the Day at the Capitol event were representatives from the following electric cooperatives: 4 Rivers, Ark Valley, Bluestem, Brown-Atchison, Butler, CMS, Doniphan, DS&O, FreeState, Heartland, KEPCo, Lane-Scott, Midwest, Nemaha-Marshall, Ninnescah, Prairie Land, Rolling Hills, Sedgwick County, Sumner-Cowley, Sunflower, Twin Valley, Western, Wheatland, and Federated.
Photo caption: Prairie Land Electric leaders met with area Representatives and Senators elected in our service territories. Pictured are Representative Ken Rahjes, Project Manager John Atkins, Assistant CEO Kirk Girard, and CEO Chuck Look.