Captiol connections: Lawmakers learn the co-op difference

Lawmakers experience a hands-on look at how electric cooperatives keep rural power safe, affordable and reliable.

Oklahoma’s legislators stepped out of the committee room and into the field during the inaugural Electric Cooperative University at the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives’ training center in Oklahoma City.

The two-hour session was designed to give legislators a practical understanding of how Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives keep power safe, reliable and affordable for rural communities. Nearly 20 lawmakers participated, joining cooperative managers and line crews from across the state.

The afternoon opened with an overview of the cooperative business model, projected load growth and the evolving mix of electric generation sources. Discussions on grid hardening, system resilience and affordability framed the rest of the program.

Rep. John Kane attended the event and said the experience reinforced the importance of continued dialogue between lawmakers and electric cooperatives.

“The availability of reliable power is going to be a growing issue in the immediate future,” Rep. Kane said. “My door is always open to you to discuss these matters.”

But the real learning happened outside. Lawmakers climbed a training pole, operated a bucket truck and tested virtual-reality lineworker training. A live line safety demonstration showcased the dangers crews face and the precision required to keep communities safe.

The hands-on format allowed legislators to better understand the technical work behind every flipped switch — work often done in difficult weather and under tight timelines.

Organizers say they hope the experience strengthens future policy discussions as Oklahoma’s energy demands continue to grow.

Key Issues:

• NRECA has launched a
  national campaign urging FEMA reform.
• Electric co-ops are seeking cosponsors for the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025 (H.R. 4669).
• The bill would require FEMA to reimburse disaster recovery costs within 120 days of receiving a request.
• The bill passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a 57–3 vote and now moves to the full House for consideration.

Co-op Position:

• Oklahoma co-ops are in favor of a streamlined reimbursement process to reduce delays due to procurement rules.
• More information is available at electric.coop/fema.

Get Involved:

Visit voicesforcooperativepower.com to stay informed on co-op issues!