Powering Rural America: The Evolution of Electric Cooperatives
As the global shift towards sustainable energy accelerates, rural America is emerging as an unexpected beacon of progress. The Rural Power Coalition (RPC), a collective of advocacy groups spanning from Alabama to Alaska, is driving this momentum with the release of Power to the People: The Story of Rural Electric Cooperatives. Premiered at the 2024 PowerXchange Conference in San Antonio, Texas, this animated short film not only recounts the historical journey of rural electrification but also underscores the potential of these communities to lead in the clean energy transition.
The origins of rural electrification are rooted in the early 20th century, when the 1936 Rural Electrification Act sparked a movement that would transform the American countryside. Rural Electric Cooperatives (RECs), formed in response to this legislation, provided much-needed electricity to remote areas, drastically improving the quality of life for millions. Today, these cooperatives serve more than 42 million member-owners across nearly every state, offering not just electricity but a model of community-led, democratic governance.
The film, narrated by Rev. Michael Malcom, executive director of The People’s Justice Council, and produced in collaboration with The Story of Stuff Project, Shareable, and Ruben DeLuna Creative, aims to inspire a new generation of REC member-owners. It highlights the transformative power of collective action and the vital role that rural communities can play in the clean energy revolution.
A significant aspect of this transition is the $11 billion investment in rural clean energy programs under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. This historic funding is seen as a crucial opportunity to reimagine and rebuild energy infrastructure in rural areas, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy and technological advancements are equitably distributed. Bri Knisely from Appalachian Voices, a member organization of RPC, envisions an energy system that is not only transparent and democratic but also reliable, renewable, and inclusive.
Despite the potential, there remains a significant gap in awareness and engagement among REC member-owners. According to a 2015 study by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and Touchstone Energy, approximately 56% of energy coop members are unaware of their governance rights, including the ability to vote and run for their cooperative boards. This lack of awareness underscores the importance of initiatives like Power to the People, which seeks to empower member-owners to take an active role in the governance of their utilities.
As RPC members convene at PowerXchange, their commitment to facilitating a smooth transition for cooperatives into clean energy is evident. By leveraging the strength of community and the principles of cooperation, they aim to ensure that the benefits of these programs reach the rural populations they are intended to serve.
This initiative by the RPC and its partners reflects a broader mission of social justice and environmental sustainability. It’s a testament to the power of rural communities to shape their futures, ensuring that they are not only participants in the clean energy movement but leaders at its forefront.