Electric co-op leaders discuss Tennessee issues with D.C. lawmakers

Nashville – Leaders from Tennessee’s electric cooperatives traveled to Washington, D.C., on Monday and Tuesday, April 22 and 23, to advocate for policies that could impact Tennessee’s rural and suburban communities. The delegation was made up of board members, executives and other leaders from electric cooperatives across Tennessee.

In meetings with legislative staff, co-ops discussed reliability, energy policy, broadband and other issues that directly impact Tennessee’s electric co-ops and the consumers they serve. Lawmakers were also invited to visit their local co-ops to meet employees, attend annual meetings or tour co-op facilities.

“Meetings with lawmakers are important opportunities to build bridges between policymakers and the communities they represent,” says Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “These conversations are not merely exchanges of words; they truly help shape policy that impacts our communities. I’m grateful for each co-op member who took time away from work and family to serve their co-op in this way.”

In addition to visits with members of Congress, attendees also heard from industry and policy experts, including Xochitl Torres Small, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; David Turk, deputy secretary of the Department of Energy; and Bret Baier, chief political anchor for FOX News.