Rappahannock Electric Cooperative leaders attended the 2020 Cooperative Legislative Day in Richmond to advocate for cooperative member-owners. The activities were coordinated by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives. REC’s Board of Directors and staff met with 25 legislators and legislative aides who represent member-owners across the Cooperative’s 22-county service territory.
REC’s representatives emphasized to legislators the value of the cooperative business model, such as locally elected board members and how each year REC returns excess revenues in the form of capital credits.
Each year, this event is an opportunity for electric cooperative leaders to visit with state delegates and senators to discuss legislation related to the electric industry. This year, REC focused on three key issues:
- Gaining clarity as to where and how fiber optic cable can be installed to facilitate broadband service.
- Ways to make it easier and more affordable for cooperatives to help members increase the energy efficiency of their homes.
- Maintaining the net metering enhancements cooperatives and solar and environmental advocates worked to implement in 2019.
