Umair Gaines
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is a national service organization that represents the interests of over 900 electric cooperatives in the United States. Founded in 1942, NRECA promotes, supports, and protects the interests of electric cooperatives and their consumer members. NRECA's member cooperatives serve approximately 40 million people across 56% of the country's landmass, providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. The association also advocates for its members by influencing energy policies and promoting the development and implementation of new energy technologies. In addition to its domestic focus, NRECA International works to bring electricity to rural communities abroad, impacting lives globally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | NRECA |
| Type of Organization | National service organization |
| Purpose | Promoting, supporting, and protecting the national interests of electric cooperatives and the consumer members they serve |
| Number of Member Cooperatives | More than 900 |
| Number of People Served | 1 in 8 people across 56% of the country's landmass; over 40 million people |
| Headquarters | Arlington, Virginia |
| CEO | Jim Matheson |
| Percentage of the Nation's Population Served | 12% |
| Ownership of America's Distribution Lines | 42% |
| Percentage of Total Power from Renewable Sources | 11% |
| Percentage of Power from Renewable Sources for the Entire Utility Sector | 8% |
| Amount Won from the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund in December 2020 | $1.6 billion |
| Number of Lobbyists in 2023 with Previous Government Jobs | 12 out of 25 |
| Number of Lobbyists in 2024 with Previous Government Jobs | 11 out of 25 |
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What You'll Learn
The NRECA's role in bringing high-speed internet to rural communities
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is a national service organization that promotes, supports, and safeguards the interests of over 900 electric cooperatives in the United States. These cooperatives are not-for-profit and are owned by their members.
NRECA has been actively advocating for and playing a crucial role in bringing high-speed internet to rural communities. They recognize that electric cooperatives are well-positioned to bridge the digital divide and bring high-speed internet to millions of additional households. In a letter to USDA, NRECA urged the strengthening of the ReConnect program, which provides funding to expand broadband access in remote rural areas. NRECA also emphasized the need to maintain current funding levels for the program, which has awarded over $4.4 billion to improve broadband service in rural areas.
NRECA has also been engaging with federal leaders and advocating for policy updates to support rural broadband. They have outlined recommendations to empower cooperatives to provide rural broadband, including regulatory priorities and updates to funding mechanisms. NRECA's efforts are aimed at boosting economic prosperity and quality of life in rural communities, ensuring they are not left behind in the digital age.
Furthermore, NRECA has been actively involved in summits and conferences focused on rural broadband. The NRECA Broadband Leadership Summit brings together cooperative leaders, lawmakers, and federal officials to discuss strategies and share ideas. NRECA also highlights the work of cooperatives in bringing high-speed internet to underserved areas, such as the efforts of the Sac Osage Electric Cooperative in Missouri and the Volunteer Energy Cooperative in Tennessee.
By advocating for supportive policies and funding, engaging with key stakeholders, and leveraging the strengths of electric cooperatives, NRECA is playing a pivotal role in bringing high-speed internet to rural communities across the United States. Their efforts are helping to close the digital divide and ensure that all Americans have access to the opportunities and benefits that come with reliable, affordable broadband service.
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NRECA's advocacy priorities and influence on government policy
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is America's Electric Cooperatives, a national service organization that promotes, supports, and protects the interests of over 900 electric cooperatives and their consumer members in the United States. Founded in 1942, NRECA is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and its current CEO is former U.S. Congressman Jim Matheson.
NRECA's advocacy priorities are focused on safeguarding the ability of electric cooperatives to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to their members. They are committed to researching and developing new energy technologies, ensuring that their members are prepared to implement the energy solutions that best fit their communities.
NRECA has influenced government policy through its advocacy efforts. For example, NRECA lobbied for the ruling that allowed electric cooperatives to bring high-speed internet to unserved rural communities. Additionally, NRECA's advocacy priorities have included maintaining the use of grain-oriented electrical steel in distribution transformers, which resulted in the Department of Energy finalizing new energy efficiency standards that gave manufacturers more time to meet demands and maintain the reliability of the electric grid.
NRECA also has a significant influence on government policy through its lobbying activities. In 2023 and 2024, 12 and 11 out of 25 NRECA lobbyists, respectively, had previously held government jobs. This presence of former government officials within NRECA's lobbying team likely enhances their ability to shape policy and advocate for their members' interests at the federal level.
Furthermore, NRECA hosts events that bring together lawmakers, federal officials, and industry leaders. For instance, the NRECA Broadband Leadership Summit provides a platform for discussions between these stakeholders, potentially influencing policy directions related to rural broadband services. NRECA's influence extends beyond policy advocacy, as they also play a role in securing funding for their members. In December 2020, cooperatives under NRECA won $1.6 billion from the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to provide rural broadband services.
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The association's commitment to renewable energy sources
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is a national service organization that represents the interests of over 900 electric cooperatives in the United States. These cooperatives are not-for-profit and owned by their members. NRECA is committed to promoting, supporting, and protecting the interests of electric cooperatives and their consumer members. This includes a dedication to renewable energy sources and the development of new energy technologies.
NRECA's commitment to renewable energy sources is evident in its advocacy for electric cooperatives and their adoption of renewable energy generation. As of 2020, over 90% of electric cooperatives within the NRECA include renewable generation in their portfolios. These cooperatives receive 11% of their total power from renewable sources, surpassing the 8% figure for the entire utility sector.
NRECA recognizes the importance of renewable energy in the energy mix and its potential to meet demand. For instance, the use of coal in the energy mix has been cited by a co-op leader as helping Arizona co-ops meet summer demand.
NRECA is also active internationally, with NRECA International initiatives that promote global development through rural electrification. For example, Stephanie Jones, chief technology officer at Cimarron Electric Cooperative, volunteered her electrician skills to help bring power to 200 small houses in 38 Guatemalan villages through an NRECA International project.
Furthermore, NRECA is committed to ensuring its members are prepared to implement the energy solutions that best suit their communities. This includes advocating for policies and regulations that support the adoption of renewable energy technologies, such as maintaining the use of grain-oriented electrical steel in transformers to meet the demand for electric cooperatives.
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International initiatives led by NRECA
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is a national service organization that promotes, supports, and safeguards the interests of over 900 electric cooperatives in the United States. NRECA has been actively involved in international initiatives through its NRECA International program, which has empowered more than 160 million people worldwide to access safe and reliable electricity. Here are some key international initiatives led by NRECA:
NRECA International:
NRECA International has been active since 1962 and has worked in 48 countries to establish more than 250 electric utilities and cooperatives. They have a diverse team of engineers, rural electrification experts, and financial analysts who design and implement successful rural electrification programs.
Zambia Electric Cooperative Development Program (ZECDP):
Funded by USAID's Cooperative Development Program and implemented by NRECA International, ZECDP aims to develop electric cooperatives in rural Zambia to expand electrification. In July 2023, the Ntatumbila Power Electric Cooperative Society was formed, and it is expected to provide electricity from a solar-powered minigrid to about 400 homes by the end of 2024.
Haiti Electric Cooperative:
In southwestern Haiti, NRECA International helped establish the Cooperative Electrique de l’Arrondisement des Coteaux (CEAC), providing affordable and reliable power to member-owners. They partnered with the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) to design and construct a solar-diesel hybrid system, serving 1600 consumers. This project was supported by the United Nations Environmental Program, USAID, and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Community-Owned Electric Co-ops in Africa:
NRECA International has been promoting community-owned electric cooperatives in Africa, including in Sierra Leone and Uganda. They provide training and support for the operations and maintenance of medium-voltage minigrids, which are critical to providing reliable electricity in rural areas.
Philippines Electric Cooperative Procurement Best Practices Project:
NRECA International works to improve capital expenditure costs for Philippines electric cooperatives by utilizing e-sourcing techniques. This project aims to address the challenges faced due to the remote location and fragmented nature of the EC community, which has led to sub-optimal procurement pricing.
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NRECA's leadership and CEO
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is a national service organization that promotes, supports, and protects the interests of over 900 electric cooperatives in the United States and the consumers they serve. NRECA has been led by former U.S. Congressman Jim Matheson, who has served as its CEO since 2016.
Matheson leads a team of 21 executives, who guide the organization's direction and strategies. The NRECA executive team is diverse, with a nearly equal gender distribution of 48% female and 52% male. This diversity extends to the entire company, with a company-wide gender distribution of 54% female and 46% male.
NRECA's leadership is committed to advocating for its members and helping them provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. They are also industry leaders in the research and development of new energy technologies, ensuring that their members are prepared to implement the energy solutions that best fit their communities' needs.
NRECA's leadership also extends beyond the borders of the United States, with initiatives such as NRECA International. Through this program, NRECA volunteers, like Cimarron Electric Cooperative's chief technology officer, Stephanie Jones, have used their skills to bring power to rural communities in Guatemala.
Additionally, NRECA hosts leadership summits and conferences, such as the Safety Leadership Summit and the Connect Conference, to bring together professionals from across the industry to share knowledge and inspire one another. These events showcase NRECA's commitment to fostering leadership and innovation within the electric cooperative sector.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a national service organization that promotes, supports, and protects the interests of electric cooperatives and their consumer members.
Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit organizations that are owned by their members. They provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric services to their members.
The NRECA represents more than 900 electric cooperatives, serving about 40 million people or 1 in 8 people across 47 states in the United States.
The NRECA was founded in 1942 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
The NRECA is committed to research and development in new energy technologies. They also work to bring high-speed internet to unserved rural communities and organize events such as the Safety Leadership Summit and the Connect Conference. Additionally, NRECA International has projects that bring power to communities in other countries, such as Guatemala.
