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USDA announces $11 billion investment in rural energy innovation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled guidelines for nearly $11 billion in funds to bring affordable clean energy to rural communities. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that announcement represented the largest single federal investment in rural electrification since the New Deal.

Rural electric cooperatives, renewable energy companies and electric utilities will be able to apply for funding through two programs. The Empowering Rural America program will make $9.7 billion available for rural electric co-ops to create renewable energy, zero-emission and carbon capture systems. An additional $1 billion will be available through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program in the form of partially-forgivable loans for renewable energy companies and electric utilities to finance large-scale solar, wind and geothermal projects.

Mike Partin, CEO of Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative in South Pittsburg, Tenn., and board secretary of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, along with NRECA CEO Jim Matheson and other co-op leaders, attended a launch event at the White House today in Washington, D.C.

“This is an exciting opportunity for electric cooperatives and the communities they serve,” said Partin. “These funds will help electric co-ops build a more robust power grid while protecting our members from higher rates. We appreciate the USDA for their efforts to understand the needs of rural America.”

Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, commended the USDA’s announcement. “Rural America cannot be left behind, and targeted funds like this will ensure that we are not,” said Knotts. “These programs create a unique opportunity for electric co-ops to make strategic investments that will have a lasting impact on the people and places they serve.”

The recently issued guidance provides electric cooperatives with a timeframe, running from July 31 to Aug. 31, to submit letters of interest and initiate the application process for funding eligible projects. These projects encompass a wide range of areas such as renewable energy, carbon capture, energy storage, nuclear power, as well as improvements in generation and transmission efficiency.

In the image: RUS Administrator and former Mayor of Chattanooga, Andy Berke, left, and Mike Partin, CEO of Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative, speaking, are joined by other electric cooperative leaders at a launch event at the White House on Tuesday, May 16.

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Tennessee electric cooperatives respond to EPA’s proposed rules on power plant emissions

NASHVILLE – Today the Environmental Protection Agency released new proposed rules that target power plant emissions. Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, issued the following statement in response.

“Tennessee’s electric cooperatives are closely monitoring the impacts the EPA’s proposal will have on everyday Tennesseans,” said Knotts. “Energy is critical to Tennessee’s growing economy, and this proposal prioritizes a far-reaching environmental agenda over real needs for affordable and reliable energy.”

“Tennessee was one of nine states to experience rolling blackouts last December because the demand of energy outpaced supply. America – Tennessee included – needs new power generation, not new regulatory burden that will force the early retirement of America’s power plants and make permitting new ones more difficult. We urge the EPA to take a pragmatic approach to energy needs that prioritizes cost-effective emission reduction strategies and recognizes the importance of a diverse energy portfolio.”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Trent Scott | Vice President of Communications | 615.515.5534 | [email protected]

ABOUT TECA
The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives and 2.5 million consumers. The association also publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.

 

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Electric cooperatives issue statement regarding EPA’s proposed rules on power plant emissions

NASHVILLE – Today the Environmental Protection Agency released new proposed rules that target power plant emissions. The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association issued the following statement in response.

Tennessee’s electric cooperatives are closely studying the impacts the EPA’s proposal will have on everyday Tennesseans. Energy is critical to Tennessee’s growing economy, and this proposal prioritizes a far-reaching environmental agenda over real needs for affordable and reliable energy.

Tennessee was one of nine states to experience rolling blackouts last December because the demand of energy outpaced supply. America – Tennessee included – needs new power generation, not new regulatory burden that will force the early retirement of America’s power plants and make permitting new ones more difficult. We urge the EPA to take a pragmatic approach to energy needs that prioritizes cost-effective emission reduction strategies and recognizes the importance of a diverse energy portfolio.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Trent Scott | Vice President of Communications | 615.515.5534 | [email protected]

ABOUT TECA
The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives and 2.5 million consumers. The association also publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.

 

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Knotts addresses TVA Board

NORRIS, TN – Today the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors held a public listening session at the Norris Middle School in Norris, Tenn. Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, addressed the board during the listening session, and a readout of his comments is below.

Norris Middle School | Norris, TN | 2:00 p.m. EST

 

Good afternoon to each of you. My name is Mike Knotts, and I serve as the CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and represent the 25 local utilities serving nearly 3 million people who depend on their cooperative to power their community.

It is a real pleasure to be here and celebrate 90 years of TVA’s history together with you. This history is OUR history, tightly intertwined with that of the local cooperatives and cities that have connected TVA to the millions of people and business over the years.

There is no denying that the connection between TVA, local power companies, and the residents of the Tennessee Valley have made an indelible impact on the lives of generations of Americans. Our story is unique in American history. And while the issues of the day and the challenges we face may look different in 2023 than they did in 1933, we should take pride in knowing that we have literally changed history through our unchanging mission of the last 90 years. We have a great story to tell.

Taking time to reflect on this is important. Electric cooperatives innately understand and appreciate the history TVA is celebrating today because we helped shape it – both in the Valley and across the country.

When TVA was formed it was given its unique multi-faceted mission because of the specific needs of this part of the country. But, a much broader problem existed across all corners of rural America. The problem was universal rural electrification. Though cities like Memphis or Chattanooga or Knoxville had enjoyed electricity for decades, other communities and farms, like where we stand here in Norris, did not.

The solution to the national problem came in the form of the cooperative. Self-owned, private corporations that are built for the benefit of its customers. Governed by its owners. Founded on seven bedrock principles and focused on the local community. While cooperatives were not a new idea – the seven cooperative principles were first enumerated during the industrial revolution in England – cooperatives were the right idea then and continue to be the relevant idea today.

Today, TECA members serve consumers across the state of Tennessee, covering almost 75% of the state’s land mass. In addition, these same 25 utilities also serve significant portions of Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia – as well some circuits in Alabama and Mississippi.  If you are keeping count, yes, that is all seven states. Collectively, these 25 locally-owned utilities provide TVA approximately 25 percent of its revenues – well over $3B dollars per year.

You know, each of the grainy, black and white photos hanging in this room has its own story to tell and lessons to be learned. I’m particularly fond of that one (gesturing to the right), as it bears a striking resemblance to my late grandmother.

And as we all know to be true, those who do not learn from the past are most certainly doomed to repeat it. So, allow me to encourage each of you to learn from the achievements we recognize today.

But let me also encourage each of you look forward – with purpose and passion – knowing that your role on this Board is important and meaningful to millions of people. Our future won’t be told though grainy, black and white photos. Our future is being determined in real time in 4k video, and our inter-connected world allows it to be seen by anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Please know that your electric cooperative customers stand shoulder to shoulder with you, and are ready to work with you to ensure that TVA’s strategic direction remains focused on what is best for the people we jointly serve. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Please call on me anytime I can be of assistance to you.

 

 

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