Co-op power: Reliable, affordable
and environmentally responsible

Mississippi’s consumer-owned electric power associations have three top priorities: provide you safe, reliable access to electric power; offer that service as affordably as possible; and do both of those things in a fiscally and environmentally responsible fashion.

Because an electric power association is a not-for-profit enterprise—which means your money stays local; it isn’t funneled to distant shareholders—we are well-positioned to make any necessary investments for ensuring safe, reliable and affordable electricity.

However, fulfilling our commitment to environmental stewardship in a fiscally responsible manner has become more challenging. Today, many environmental laws that were adopted by Congress decades ago are being used by federal agencies and the courts to address issues for which they were never intended.

For example, the federal Clean Air Act is now 40 years old and was last amended in 1990—more than two decades ago. Much has changed in the intervening years, including technology, our understanding of the environment and the electric utility industry.

Today, officials with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—often under court order—are trying to modify the Clean Air Act to fit new circumstances.

Reasonable people can and will disagree over how to find a balance between protecting the environment, guaranteeing a reliable supply of power and keeping electric bills affordable. Under the right circumstances, Congress eventually will have to revisit the Clean Air Act and update it to fit the needs of the 21st century.

In the meantime, we will keep you updated on our efforts to encourage lawmakers and regulators to strike the proper balance on these concerns.

You have the power to make a difference in your own cost of electricity through wise use. I encourage you and your family to seek ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency in both winter and summer.

One low-cost, immediate way to use less energy is to replace (or clean) the filter in your home’s central heating unit. A dirty filter can choke the system, causing it to work far harder than it should. Keeping a clean filter in the unit will not only save you money in energy costs but will add to its useful life.

Check your home for air leaks. Don’t let the air you pay to heat escape through cracks or leaky duct work.

Use space heaters sparingly and never leave them operating unattended. They can provide supplemental heating where needed, but careless placement of a space heater too close to furniture, draperies, clothing, etc. can start a fire. And most of them gobble electricity when used for long periods.

When the number living in your household grows or you have long-term guests, be aware that your appliances will consume more electricity to heat water, wash clothes and dishes, cook meals and refrigerate foods.

Your electric power association wants you to have the electricity you need when you need it. Whether working closely with lawmakers on policy or with homeowners on energy efficiency, our mission is straightforward: the delivery of safe, reliable and affordable electric service to your electric meter.