Co-ops Rise to the Moment
The energy landscape isn’t just evolving — it’s accelerating. From rapid load growth to emerging technologies, electric cooperatives are focused on reliability, innovation and the cooperative approach to meeting unprecedented demand. That sense of momentum set the tone for PowerXchange 2026, where co-op leaders from across the country gathered to share strategies, strengthen partnerships and prepare for what comes next.
More than 9,000 electric cooperative leaders gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, March 6–11 for the annual event hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Opening the conference, Jim Matheson, NRECA CEO, underscored the significance of the moment. “I truly believe we’re working in the most exciting industry in America right now,” he said. “The decisions we’re making aren’t small. They will shape the future of electric co-ops in rural America for generations.”
Matheson emphasized electric cooperatives are rising to meet the challenges ahead by staying grounded in their mission. “We shouldn’t take the cooperative model for granted,” he said. “It’s every bit as important as the electric power it provides.”
Leadership was another key theme. NRECA President Mike Partin called on co-ops to “ride for the brand,” a reminder to lead with integrity, protect reliability and put members first. As demand surges from data centers, manufacturing and electrification, he urged unity and steady leadership.
“The next chapter of this industry will not be written for us,” Partin said. “It will be written by us.”
As PowerXchange made clear, the cooperative model — rooted in trust and community — remains a powerful force shaping the future of rural America.
A.B. Blacklock presents a safety award to Macon Electric’s Wesley Hearrold. Blacklock is the safety guy from the Missouri State Rural Electrification Association.
Co-Op Time Capsule
In the early days of rural electrification, the mission was simple: get power to the people. Lines went up fast. Safety, too often, came second. By the 1940s, the cost of that urgency was becoming clear — linemen were being seriously injured, even killed, on the job.
When Harold Brown joined Macon Electric Cooperative in 1958, the risks were well known. “A life insurance policy for a lineman cost you as much as it did for a race car driver or stunt pilot,” he recalled. “It was considered extremely hazardous.”
In 1941, Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative Manager Howard Alexander called for a statewide effort to improve safety. Within a few years, Missouri co-ops launched a formal program, hiring two traveling instructors to train crews across the state. They visited each cooperative regularly, building a culture around safety.
The impact was immediate. In the winter of 1947, Ralls County Electric Cooperative lineman Ed Record accidentally contacted a live wire while working atop a pole. He was knocked unconscious, hanging lifeless above the ground. His coworker climbed up and began pole-top resuscitation — a technique learned through the new safety program. Minutes later, Record began breathing again. He survived and returned to work.
Stories like his became proof that training mattered. What began as a response to tragedy grew into a defining principle for all employees.
Today, safety is more than a priority for electric cooperatives; it’s the No. 1 focus.
6 Ways to Save on Your Summer Electric Bill
When summer temperatures rise, so can your energy bills as air conditioners work overtime to keep your home cool. The good news? A few smart adjustments can make a noticeable difference. Here are some tips on how you can manage your summer energy consumption and costs, courtesy of your local electric cooperative.
Adjust your thermostat. Set it as high as comfortably possible. Even a few degrees can make a noticeable difference in your bill.
Weatherize your home. Make sure the cool air in your home isn’t escaping through improperly sealed windows or doors.
Use ceiling fans wisely. Fans help you feel cooler but turn them off when you leave the room since they cool people, not spaces.
Take advantage of rebates. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances or cooling systems and earn money back through your electric cooperative’s rebate programs.
Keep heat out of the kitchen. Grill outside or use smaller appliances such as microwaves to avoid heating up your home.
Change air filters regularly. Clean filters help your cooling system run efficiently and use less energy.
In Focus
After reading about Lori Nelson’s soap store, Dandelion Creek, in Rural Missouri, Deb and Matt Wolf couldn’t wait to visit. They traveled from Omaha, Nebraska, to Plattsburg to visit the store. If you make a recipe from the magazine, visit a business or place or take your copy on vacation, we want to know!
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