Podcasts about nreca

After years of advocacy from NRECA, Congress passed legislation in 2022 that allows electric co-ops to access federal tax credits for certain energy projects, including renewable power facilities, through an elective-pay option. These incentives can slash costs for co-ops to build, own and operate eligible generation and energy storage projects. Hear from NRECA's Hill Thomas as well as Doug Browne of North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives on how co-ops are reaping the benefits of these credits.

Cybersecurity incidents involving the systems and data of third-party vendors are on the rise for utilities in the U.S. It's a worrying trend that has directly impacted electric co-ops, and industry cyber professionals are working hard to counteract it. In this episode, NRECA's Carter Manucy discusses what co-ops are doing to enhance security and mitigate this threat, and Blue Ridge Energy's Tanner Greer discusses how his co-op dealt with a third-party cyber incident in 2023.

Earlier this month, Mike Partin was elected president of NRECA at the PowerXchange conference in Atlanta. Partin has been CEO of Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative in central Tennessee since 2015. He joined the co-op in 1998 and has represented Tennessee on the NRECA board of directors since 2019. Hear from Partin about his thoughts on leadership, what the future looks like for electric cooperatives and what specific things he'll focus on during his two-year tenure as president.

The 2024 elections were pivotal for policies affecting electric co-ops. President Donald Trump's victory and Republicans' majorities in Congress could bring major changes to environmental rules, permitting requirements, funding programs and tax incentives that touch on co-ops' daily operations. Hear from NRECA's Louis Finkel about what those changes could be and what they mean for co-ops, as well as how co-op leaders can engage with policymakers.

NRECA's annual gathering of members is a critical touchpoint for co-ops and a place to exchange ideas and stay connected. 2025 PowerXchange and TechAdvantage come amid a period of unprecedented disruption—soaring demand from data centers and other load drivers, shrinking supply caused by misguided federal and state policies, and increasing changes in co-op leadership and work culture. Hear from NRECA's Erin Pressley about how this year's events will help attendees confront today's challenges.

In this episode, Don, Kirk, Shawn, and Maria discuss the hot topic of the moment: nuclear energy. The hosts open the episode by reflecting on their respective Thanksgiving holiday experiences. The team reviews news articles covering topics such as sci-fi billionaires' climate change efforts, underground battery storage, and renewable energy legislation related to hog waste. The main article focuses on nuclear energy and why it's now in such high demand. For the main topic, the hosts have to call in an expert! Dan Walsh, Senior Power Supply and Generation Director at NRECA calls in to educate the hosts on what's on the horizon with hydrogen energy.

For the first part of our audio story, "Lighting the Way for the Line Trade," in our ICYMI series, we are featuring two volunteer projects involving lineworkers: Light Up Navajo, sponsored by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and American Public Power Association, and the NRECA electrification project in Guatemala. By listening to this episode, you can hear how two lineworkers: Arthur William Muñoz of Salt River Project in Arizona and Billy Patterson of CKEnergy Electric Cooperative in Oklahoma donated their time and talents to help provide first-time power to communities both at home and overseas.  Stay tuned to Part 2 to hear the stories of Chad Dubea, Melissa Dawe, Jason Novak and Paul Koehler and how they are lighting the way for the line trade. Stop by T&D World Booth #73 at this week's International Lineman's Expo to pick up your copy of the 2024 Lineworker Supplement to read this story or check it out online. Also, swing by the booth to participate in a live podcast recording, and we will feature you on a future episode. Line Life Podcast listeners, we look forward to seeing you in Kansas City for Rodeo Week!

For the first part of our audio story, "Lighting the Way for the Line Trade," in our ICYMI series, we are featuring two volunteer projects involving lineworkers: Light Up Navajo, sponsored by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and American Public Power Association, and the NRECA electrification project in Guatemala. By listening to this episode, you can hear how two lineworkers: Arthur William Muñoz of Salt River Project in Arizona and Billy Patterson of CKEnergy Electric Cooperative in Oklahoma donated their time and talents to help provide first-time power to communities both at home and overseas.  Stay tuned to Part 2 to hear the stories of Chad Dubea, Melissa Dawe, Jason Novak and Paul Koehler and how they are lighting the way for the line trade. Stop by T&D World Booth #73 at this week's International Lineman's Expo to pick up your copy of the 2024 Lineworker Supplement to read this story or check it out online. Also, swing by the booth to participate in a live podcast recording, and we will feature you on a future episode. Line Life Podcast listeners, we look forward to seeing you in Kansas City for Rodeo Week!

Electric co-ops have always been energy innovation leaders, but a surge in public funding is taking that to the next level. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes billions for clean energy projects—including the New ERA program designed specifically for co-ops—and the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law funded a wide range of programs that benefit co-ops. Hear from NRECA's Lauren Khair, Golden Valley Electric Association's Travis Million and Flathead Electric Cooperative's Jason Williams.

Artificial intelligence, with its remarkable ability to digest and analyze enormous amounts of data, has nearly limitless positive applications for utilities. But it could be used just as effectively as a malicious tool by hackers and scammers. Co-ops are moving cautiously with AI, finding ways to safely implement new, enhanced systems while marginalizing tools that could increase cyber risk. Learn more from NRECA's Carter Manucy as well as Dairyland Power Cooperative's Nate Melby and Vlad Tsoy.

Scams that target electric utility consumers have been around for almost as long as the industry itself, with criminals using the latest technologies over the years to defraud victims. Electric co-ops have a unique advantage in combating scams, being locally owned, community focused and eager to share information with one another. Learn more from Monica Martinez of Utilities United Against Scams and Joan O'Fallon of Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative.

The EPA recently finalized its new rule to aggressively cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants—a sweeping move that NRECA CEO Jim Matheson called “unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable." Critics across the industry have decried the regulation as a threat to reliability at a time when an already-stressed grid faces soaring demand. Hear from NRECA's Ashley Slater and Minnkota Power Cooperative's Mac McLennan about the rule, its impacts and how co-ops are working to reverse it.

This week's Open Mic guest is Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The nation's rural cooperatives are being pushed to increase base load capacity to meet growing demand from businesses and computer storage facilities. But at the same time, new emission standards by the Environmental Protection Agency threaten the existence of generating plants providing electric service to more than 42 million Americans in 48 states. Matheson says as much as 80% of the power used by cooperatives comes from fossil fuels, including both natural gas and coal, and NRECA is pursuing litigation to stay and overturn the EPA's new rules.

For today's discussion we were pleased to host Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Jim's distinguished background includes roles in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining the NRECA in 2016, he served in the public policy practice at Squire Patton Boggs based in Washington, D.C. Jim was elected as a U.S. Representative for Utah from 2001 to 2015 and has significant experience in the energy industry. The NRECA is a vital national service organization representing over 900 consumer-owned electric cooperatives, collectively serving 42 million people across 48 states in the US. We were excited to visit with Jim and gain valuable insights into the cooperative landscape. Jim first provides background on the unique structure of electric cooperatives, how they are owned by the members they serve, and focus on consumer interest rather than shareholder interests (a detailed overview of US electric co-ops is linked here). We explore how electric co-ops approach decision making regarding power systems to balance cost, reliability, and emissions reduction, the evolving generation mix, the shrinking margin of error in meeting peak demand and the increasing risk of outages, and the US's struggle to keep up with building new power plants while also shutting down existing ones prematurely. Jim shares his perspective on the need for increased resiliency in the electric grid, particularly through the expansion of transmission infrastructure, and concerns with the feasibility and economic impact of recent EPA regulations targeting emissions reduction from coal and natural gas plants (details linked here). We discuss potential bipartisan efforts to revise permitting and streamline processes, growing awareness among the public on power issues, election year dynamics, the benefits of natural gas as a fuel source for electricity generation, the need for continued vigilance around cybersecurity measures in the electricity sector, the possibility of bipartisan efforts to prioritize energy security and reliability, and more. We greatly appreciate the work Jim and the team at NRECA are doing. Mike Bradley kicked us off by highlighting that markets have been choppy this past week but managed to get by with modest gains. The 10-year bond yield has plunged to ~4.45%, down from ~4.7%, just one week ago. Bond yields dropped despite the FOMC leaving interest rates unchanged, mostly because Chairman Powell signaled the next rate move would likely not be a rate hike. WTI price this past week had collapsed ~5/bbl due to a large increase in US crude oil inventories, less concern over Mideast chaos, and WTI trading through important technical trading levels. Crude oil traders seem to firmly believe that OPEC will not announce they're putting barrels back into the market at their June 1st meeting, especially at sub-~80/bbl. Natural gas is trading at its highest level since early January, mostly due to the monthly futures contract roll. The US natural gas storage surplus is still high, but lower 48 natural gas production is falling faster than expected and recently averaged less than 99bcfd. Most S&P companies have reported Q1 results, and so broader markets will need to look elsewhere for direction. Broader markets have rallied recently as they're less worried today about higher interest rates and higher commodity prices. He further noted that broader markets recently have had a nice bounce because they were technically oversold, and volatility had spiked but are now moving towards overbought territory again. He ended by flagging most energy companies have reported Q1 results and this week will be a heavy dose of SMID-cap E&Ps, Global Oil Majors

On this episode of In The Loop, learn all about “Take Aim at Progress”, a charity sporting clay shoot fundraiser for Georgia Electric Membership Cooperatives (GEMCs) and Vendors that raises money for NRECA's International Foundation in order to bring electricity to impoverished countries.Hear from Coweta-Fayette EMC's President & CEO Chris Stephens about the establishment and growth of the program, how it assists America's co-ops in raising funds and actively supporting rural electrification in developing countries, and why it is important for us to support this program each year.

On this episode of Live Wire, we talk with Sarah Marsh from the member services team about an upcoming Lunch & Learn event, celebrate our fearless linemen, discuss the Spotlight on Excellence awards, and preview the Annual Drive-Through Meeting. 

After demonstrating clean energy projects can succeed in rural areas, NRECA is putting more partnerships into practice. Its CARED project is creating a consortium of seven rural co-ops ops — including Minnesota Valley Electric — to deploy microgrids. In this episode of Power Plays, NRECA's Tolu Omotoso explains how the DOE-funded project will create solutions hundreds of co-ops can scale and replicate.

A long-simmering dispute over the Lower Snake River dams burst onto the headlines in November with news of a backroom deal between the Biden administration and plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Bonneville Power Administration and other agencies that manage the dams. The deal has raised fears about the possibility of breaching the dams and compromising the availability of reliable, carbon-free electricity. Hear from NRECA's Louis Finkel and Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative's Bryan Case.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for Mar 15th       Publish Date:  Mar 14th         From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Friday, March 15th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to MLB player Bobby Bonds. ***03.15.24 – BIRTHDAY – BOBBY BONDS*** I'm Bruce Jenkins and here are your top stories presented by Tom Wages Funeral Home. Head of Robbery Group Condemned to Four Successive Life Terms and Additional 90 Years in Prison Two Scholars from Gwinnett Named as Jackson EMC Representatives for the 2024 Washington Youth Tour Gwinnett Tech Pupils Excel at State-Level SkillsUSA Contest — Medal Recipients Announced All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: WAGES   STORY 1: Robbery Crew Leader Receives 4 Consecutive Life Sentences — Plus Another 90 30-year-old Dametrius Marquel Sims has been given four successive life terms, alongside an extra 90 years in jail, for spearheading a robbery crew that targeted multiple Gwinnett eateries in 2017, including a shooting event at Marco's Pizza. A jury found Sims guilty of armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, aggravated assault, and firearm possession charges. His group was responsible for robbing five restaurants and a package store between August and October 2017. Oshay Howard and Trevonne Poole, two additional members of the crew, were convicted and sentenced for their involvement in the robberies. Sims' violent crime spree terrified Gwinnett County merchants, however, the district attorney's office commended the jury's verdict and efforts to bring him to justice. STORY 2: 2 Gwinnett Students Selected As Jackson EMC Delegates For Youth Tour High school students Alvaro Saldarriaga (Sal-da-rri-a-ga ) Arcila and Jabez Melaku (M EH L AH K UW) from Gwinnett County have been chosen as representatives for Jackson EMC at the 2024 Washington Youth Tour. This fully funded leadership development initiative is sponsored by Georgia's electric cooperatives and coordinated by the NRECA. Both Arcila, a junior at McClure Health Sciences High School, and Melaku, a junior at Archer High School, were selected based on their academic records, service to the community, and leadership capabilities. The tour aims to promote collaboration, integrity, and teamwork among participating students. Arcila is engaged in several extracurricular activities and contemplates a career in either law or engineering, while Melaku, who serves as the vice president of community service, plans to venture into engineering. The tour, which is scheduled to take place from June 14-21, has offered leadership opportunities to thousands of students since its inception in 1965. STORY 3: Gwinnett Tech Students Impress At State SkillsUSA Competition Gwinnett Technical College students showcased their exceptional skills at the SkillsUSA Georgia Postsecondary State Leadership & Skills Conference, securing a total of 43 medals. This included 24 gold, 8 silver, and 11 bronze awards. The college's SkillsUSA chapter was also recognized with prestigious accolades, receiving both Level 1 and Level 2 Chapter of Distinction GOLD Level titles. The chapter ranks third in Georgia in terms of membership. Humanities instructor, Mohamed Belal, received the SkillsUSA Georgia Postsecondary Advisor of the Year award, further highlighting the college's commitment to quality education and workforce preparation. State gold medalists from this event will progress to compete in the National Leadership and Skills Conference, which will be held in Atlanta in June 2024. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We'll be right back. Break 2: GCPS – INGLES 4   STORY 4: Gwinnett Schools Honors Transportation Staff Gwinnett County Public Schools celebrated the remarkable service of 49 transportation professionals at its annual banquet. The event recognized their crucial role in safely transporting more than 130,000 students. Among the honorees were Laura Howell and Monica Mau, who were awarded the title of School Bus Managers of the Year. Stacy Welch received the School Bus Monitor of the Year award, while the Fleet Technician of the Year award went to Ronnie Alston. Howell and Mau were acknowledged for their contributions to regular and special education transportation respectively. Welch was commended for her work with students with special needs. Alston's award highlighted his dedication, further underscored by his personal connection to the school system as a parent. The selection process for these awards was comprehensive, involving written and driving skills tests and an evaluation by a judging panel. STORY 5: Senators question economic development chief on delayed EV plant Electric vehicle manufacturer, Rivian, has decided to indefinitely delay the construction of its new manufacturing plant near Covington, Georgia. This decision was met with disappointment from Georgia's top economic development official, Pat Wilson, even though he confirmed that Rivian remains committed to the state.   Despite this setback, Rivian intends to produce its new R2 midsize SUV model at an existing facility located in Illinois. The state and local authorities had previously offered Rivian incentives worth $1.5 billion, including tax credits and infrastructure improvements, to secure the deal.   So far, Rivian has made two payments amounting to $3 million to the local development authority. While the project is currently on hold, there are concerns among senators about the site remaining vacant until 2030. Despite these concerns, Wilson maintains an optimistic outlook, asserting that the site is appealing enough to attract another manufacturing tenant if necessary.   We'll be back in a moment.   Break 3: CURIOSITY LAB BIKE RACE   STORY 6: GCPS names 2024 School Social Worker of the Year Award winner Gwinnett County Public Schools has recently honored Wendy Senior, a dedicated social worker with the district for over a decade, as the 2024 School Social Worker of the Year. Senior, who provides her services at Duluth High School, is recognized for her commitment to upholding professional standards and contributing to community service.   She has led numerous initiatives, including a parent workshop for newly immigrated Latino parents, and has made notable contributions to statewide human trafficking policy. Senior's empathetic approach encourages individuals to find their own solutions, which has earned her admiration from her colleagues for her resourcefulness, responsiveness, and unwavering dedication to student welfare.   Her influence goes beyond her official role at the school, making her an indispensable part of the school community. STORY 7: Mark Richt to Speak at The Salvation Army Of Gwinnett Luncheon Former University of Georgia football coach, Mark Richt, is set to be the key speaker at The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County's 10th Annual "Doing the Most Good" Luncheon. Scheduled for May 9th at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE, the event aims to support essential services such as housing, utilities, groceries, and disaster relief for local families.   In 2023, the Salvation Army made a significant impact by providing food, shelter, and Christmas gifts for families in need4. The upcoming luncheon will host live and silent auctions, a plated lunch, and an opportunity to glean insights on leadership and success from Coach Richt.   Scott Slade from WSB Radio will emcee the event, which seeks to raise vital funds to continue serving the community. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets for the event can be procured online.   We'll have final thoughts after this.   Break 4: HENRY CO SHERIFFS OFFICE Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Gwinnett Daily Post podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at Gwinnettdailypost.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com wagesfuneralhome.com henrycountysheriffga.gov gcpsk12.org/about-us/careers peachtreecornersga.gov/385/Curiosity-Lab-Criterium-2024   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past several months, there's been a lot of attention paid to an organization's workplace culture, particularly in terms of the on-going debate over the future of work. But at a time where it feels we're going from one crisis to another, it is important for leaders to consider what kind of workplace culture their promoting in their organization, and whether it will help their employees to adapt and thrive in spite of what crisis looms next over the horizon. That's why I invited Shaara Roman to join me on this episode of my “Leadership Biz Cafe” podcast to discuss her book, “The Conscious Workplace: Fortify Your Culture to Thrive in Any Crisis”. Shaara is a seasoned executive, having held leadership roles in CGI, Fannie Mae, NRECA, and Visa, before founding her own workplace culture consulting firm, The Silverene Group. Her writings and insights on workplace culture have appeared in numerous publications, including like CEOWorld Magazine, SHRM, HR.com, HR Executive, Authority Magazine, and GovExec. Shaara's upbringing also gives her a unique insight into different cultural norms and how to bring people together, growing up in India, Nigeria, UK, and Greece before settling down in the US. Some of the topics Shaara and I discuss in this episode include: The four types of organizational culture found in today's workplaces, and how one of the common ones is more problematic than we might realize. The impact Millennial and Gen Z will have on leadership and the mindset change that's going to be needed to keep organizations agile and responsive to the evolving talent landscape. The blindspot many leaders have about how certain actions of theirs are inadvertently transforming the workplace culture, and often times, not for the better. How a leader's own innate sense of purpose drives an organization's sense of community and belonging. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4IeRwMV60qDnQj1XVY9O9K?si=3Hohqme8QhaQUCnDntlKqQ Noteworthy links: Buy Shaara's book “The Conscious Workplace” on Amazon.* Learn more about Shaara's work - silverenegroup.com *sponsored link that helps to support this podcast. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The electric utility industry is in the midst of a “skills and people shortage,” brought on by a steady stream of senior leaders reaching retirement age, a marked increase in non-retirement turnover and an evolution toward more advanced technologies that's making it more difficult to find qualified employees. Electric co-ops are responding with creative initiatives on succession planning and employee development. Learn more from NRECA's Delaine Orendorff and Wells Rural Electric's Clay Fitch.

Artificial intelligence is poised to have a rapidly expanding impact on many facets of our lives—and the power industry is at the tip of the spear. How are electric co-ops already using AI, and how will it shape and change the way we approach operations, member services and our workplace culture in the years to come? Hear from Mike Walsh, a futurist, author and the founder and CEO of the consulting firm Tomorrow as well as a keynote speaker for NRECA's 2024 PowerXchange and TechAdvantage.

The Achieving Cooperative Community Equitable Solar Sources (ACCESS) project, a three-year, Department of Energy-funded effort in which electric co-ops have worked on innovative ways to bring the benefits of solar power to their low- and moderate-income members, is winding down at the end of the year. Learn more about ACCESS from Lisa Slaughter, NRECA research engineer, and Marshall Cherry, president and CEO of Roanoke Cooperative.

A key piece of the broadband puzzle is the “middle mile,” which connects local networks to the broader web—a particularly critical facet for rural areas. Many electric co-ops in the broadband space are finding it difficult to access reliable, affordable third-party middle-mile networks, and some are starting to take matters into their own hands. Learn more from NRECA's Katie Culleton as well as Steven Bandy, general manager of OzarksGo, the broadband subsidiary of Ozarks Electric Cooperative.  

The Commitment to Zero Contacts program, a joint effort of NRECA, Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange and statewide co-op associations to eliminate injuries and deaths caused by accidental electrical contacts, hit its five-year mark earlier this year. Phase 2 of the program includes a VR training kit that's being rolled out to statewide associations across the country. Learn more from NRECA's Bud Branham, Federated's Corey Parr and North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives' Farris Leonard.

A lot of us hear about ransomware and Information Technology (IT) hack attacks, but did you know that critical control systems and electronic infrastructure are prone to a completely different type of attack. Operational Technology or OT plays a huge role in our generation and transmission energy system and securing their hardware and systems against cyber invaders plays a huge part in ensuring the energy security of every nation. Join us as we discuss this with Shaun Chaney, Technical Account Manager at NRECA and learn how their Essence platform monitors and secures America's grid! Hosts: Chris Sass, Jeff McAulay Additional Reads: NRECA - https://www.electric.coop/  NRECA Essence Platform - https://www.electric.coop/essence https://www.linkedin.com/company/nreca-essence/ 

What happens when you sit down with a seasoned leader and let the conversation flow? I found out in a recent chat with Jim Matheson, CEO of NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association), where he generously shares his insights from years at the helm, and what primarily drives his leadership strategy. This episode is teeming with revelations, particularly around the power of communication in leadership - a refreshing and much-needed perspective amidst the often polarized rhetoric of today's world.He shares the challenges and opportunities that lie within the industry, and how balancing the immediate problems with a clear vision for the future can lead to meaningful conversations, smart decisions, and ultimately, a more secure  future. Adding a whole new layer to the dialogue, Jim emphasized the importance of vulnerability and leveraging the intellectual capabilities of your team - priceless leadership nuggets for us all to consider.When it comes to building a mission-driven culture and fostering employee engagement, Jim's approach is focused. Packed with practical wisdom on managing the dynamics of hybrid work and the invaluable lessons he's learned from influential leaders, including his parents, this conversation is a testament to the power of open mindedness and relentless learning. As we explore the concept of leadership mindsets, it became evident how vital it is to surround yourself with strong individuals, not shy away from asking questions, and consciously strive to learn from their experiences. This episode is more than just a conversation, it's an opportunity to learn from a leader who's making a difference, in an intentional way.Find Jim here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-matheson-660132105/Be the Best Leader You Know Perform with Power, Lead with Impact, Inspire GrowthTo sharpen your skills and increase your confidence, check out the Confident Leader Course: https://www.intentionaleaders.com/confident-leader

The EPA's proposed power plant rule is set to go into effect in the spring of 2024. This sweeping set of new restrictions on emissions from new and existing power generation facilities is being criticized by many in the industry for setting unrealistic timelines, relying on untested technologies and threatening the affordability and reliability of electricity. Hear from Ashley Slater, NRECA's vice president for regulatory affairs, on the proposed rule and the electric cooperative response.

Whether we're writing, networking, making a presentation or just socializing with friends, connecting with other humans in real ways is vital. Ginger Johnson, who spoke at NRECA's Connect conference, shares her ideas on why those connections matter, what they look like for different people and how marketing and communication professionals can learn to make those connections everywhere. Connect with Ginger at https://gingerjohnson.com.

We sat down with McKale Hagg from Warsaw to discuss his recent trip to Youth Tour in Washington D.C. Every summer, Indiana's electric cooperatives sponsor a group of students going into their senior year of high school to go on this life-changing educational adventure.

A pandemic-era trend has many Americans relocating from urban areas to smaller cities and towns, but they're facing a growing shortage of available, affordable housing. What's causing this unprecedented housing gap, and what are rural leaders, including electric co-ops, doing to fix it? Hear from Alex Horowitz, project director of the Housing Policy Initiative at the Pew Charitable Trusts, and Lea Hoover, director of member and strategic services at Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative.

This week's Open Mic guest is Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. After an extended tenure of serving his constituents in Utah in the U.S. House of Representatives, Matheson assumed the reins of the NRECA in 2016. Rural residents formed their own electric cooperatives in the 1930's to bring electric service to their homes and communities. Today, those same member owned organizations serve over half of the land mass in the nation and more than 42-million customers. Matheson speaks to the challenges of meeting growing demand for electric power including electric generation and transmission. He is in favor of renewable energy sources but says the nation needs reliable power generation in the face of growing demand from industry, homes and an influx of electric vehicles. Matheson says the digital divide is real in rural America and the NRECA is working to close the digital gap for the sake of health care, education, precision agriculture and rural development.

Electric cooperatives overwhelmingly serve regions that face population density challenges and income disparities as compared to their urban counterparts, as well as all of the other challenges that go with it: declining populations, hospital closures, increasingly frequent extreme weather events, and more. This week on the podcast, Christopher is joined by Brian O'Hara, Senior Director of Regulatory Issues for Telecom and Broadband at NRECA, to talk about how more than a quarter of the country's electric cooperatives have answered the call of their members and expanded into Internet service.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Shaara Roman is the award-winning founder and CEO of The Silverene Group, a culture consulting firm that aligns people, strategy, and culture to optimize organizational performance. Shaara uses her global experience to craft and improve public, private, and non-profit workplace culture. Shaara held executive leadership positions in some of the areas largest organizations, including CGI, Fannie Mae, NRECA, and Visa and is also an adjunct professor.In this engaging podcast episode, our guest shares her unique journey, marked by a multicultural upbringing in Nigeria and a diverse educational background. She discusses her transition from a successful career in Human Resources (HR) to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and the courage to seek fulfilling roles beyond job titles and monetary rewards.Her experiences, from learning to negotiate in Lagos markets to failing in her first entrepreneurial venture, serve as valuable lessons for listeners navigating their own professional paths.The episode also delves into the critical aspects of corporate culture and leadership. The guest emphasizes the need for companies to be intentional about their culture, stay connected with their employees, and constantly reassess their direction.She cites Chobani as an example of a company that embodies these principles, offering insights that listeners can apply in their own workplaces. The discussion underscores the importance of modelling the right behaviour and holding people accountable, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the often overlooked aspects of corporate culture.Curious to know what habits are taking up your time? Take our free quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/6307e572efea8a001872a188If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.Connect with Me Website Instagram LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Shaara Roman is the award-winning founder and CEO of The Silverene Group, a culture consulting firm that aligns people, strategy, and culture to optimize organizational performance. Shaara uses her global experience to craft and improve public, private, and non-profit workplace culture. Shaara held executive leadership positions in some of the area's largest organizations, including CGI, Fannie Mae, NRECA, and Visa and is also an adjunct professor.In this engaging podcast episode, our guest shares her unique journey, marked by a multicultural upbringing in Nigeria and a diverse educational background. She discusses her transition from a successful career in Human Resources (HR) to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and the courage to seek fulfilling roles beyond job titles and monetary rewards. Her experiences, from learning to negotiate in Lagos markets to failing in her first entrepreneurial venture, serve as valuable lessons for listeners navigating their own professional paths. The episode also delves into the critical aspects of corporate culture and leadership. The guest emphasizes the need for companies to be intentional about their culture, stay connected with their employees, and constantly reassess their direction. She cites Chobani as an example of a company that embodies these principles, offering insights that listeners can apply in their own workplaces. The discussion underscores the importance of modelling the right behaviour and holding people accountable, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the often overlooked aspects of corporate culture.Curious to know what habits are taking up your time? Take our free quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/6307e572efea8a001872a188 If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.Connect with Me Website Instagram LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Shaara Roman is the award-winning founder and CEO of The Silverene Group, a culture consulting firm that aligns people, strategy, and culture to optimize organizational performance. Shaara uses her global experience to craft and improve public, private, and non-profit workplace culture. Shaara held executive leadership positions in some of the area's largest organizations, including CGI, Fannie Mae, NRECA, and Visa and is also an adjunct professor.In this engaging podcast episode, our guest shares her unique journey, marked by a multicultural upbringing in Nigeria and a diverse educational background. She discusses her transition from a successful career in Human Resources (HR) to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and the courage to seek fulfilling roles beyond job titles and monetary rewards. Her experiences, from learning to negotiate in Lagos markets to failing in her first entrepreneurial venture, serve as valuable lessons for listeners navigating their own professional paths. The episode also delves into the critical aspects of corporate culture and leadership. The guest emphasizes the need for companies to be intentional about their culture, stay connected with their employees, and constantly reassess their direction. She cites Chobani as an example of a company that embodies these principles, offering insights that listeners can apply in their own workplaces. The discussion underscores the importance of modelling the right behaviour and holding people accountable, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the often overlooked aspects of corporate culture.Curious to know what habits are taking up your time? Take our free quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/6307e572efea8a001872a188 If you want to learn more about this podcast, and myself, Sope Agbelusi, you can do so using any of the links below.Connect with Me Website Instagram LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Email: hello@mindsetshift.co.uk

Tony Anderson, general manager of Cherryland Electric Cooperative in Michigan, recently kicked off his two-year term as NRECA president. He's a familiar figure in the electric cooperative program, with a career that has included working at five co-ops in five states and a high-profile charitable campaign that involved running a marathon in every state. Hear from Anderson about his career track, what he'll focus on as NRECA president and what his priorities are going forward.

Electric school buses are becoming a more common sight in rural school districts, thanks in part to new federal funding created by the bipartisan infrastructure law. For electric co-ops that serve these districts, what are the opportunities and challenges posed by this new demand for electricity? Hear from NRECA's Stephanie Crawford, Bradley Cherry of Grayson Rural Electric Cooperative Corp. in Kentucky and Travis Mathes of Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative in Missouri.

From becoming a trusted energy advisor on EVs in Tennessee, to evolving from energy provider to partner in Arizona, to blazing the broadband trail in Arkansas, electric co-ops are leading in very innovative ways, leaving no one behind. Recorded on the exhibit hall floor of NRECA's TechAdvantage conference in Nashville, three electric co-ops describe how hearing their members' experiences put the co-ops on new paths.

Over the last 50 years, the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has sent over 75,000 rural teenagers to Washington, D.C., for the “trip of a lifetime,” where they meet with their elected officials and build relationships. Through the Youth Tour and Youth Leadership Council, NRECA works to cultivate our next generation of co-op leaders. Learn more in this episode from NRECA Youth Programs and Training Manager Beth Knudson and 2023 Youth Leadership Council national spokesperson Rukaya Alrubaye. 

Electric co-ops saw a major victory last year with the inclusion of direct-pay incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act. The law gives co-ops and other tax-exempt entities the ability to receive reimbursements from the government for deploying new energy technologies, putting them on a playing field with for-profit providers. How does this change the game for co-ops going forward? Hear from NRECA's Paul Gutierrez, Minnkota Power Cooperative's Mac McLennan and Northeastern REMC's Eric Jung.  

Rural broadband build-outs by electric cooperatives have been remarkably successful, according to a recent report from NRTC and NRECA. Despite rising labor and material costs, most co-ops report higher than expected take rates and a 9% internal rate of return. Notably, among the 88 co-ops surveyed, serving their community was the biggest motivational factor listed, with revenue lagging significantly behind. Two of the report's architects share more insights in this episode. The full report is available online from NRTC.

More than 200 electric co-ops have already built or started work to offer broadband either on their own or in a partnership, and that number will only grow with billions in funding on the way to help close the digital divide. But what does it take for a co-op to create and run a broadband business? Hear from Craig Eccher, former CEO of Tri-County REC in Pennsylvania and its broadband subsidiary, Bill Gerski of Beacon Broadband, a subsidiary of Coos-Curry EC in Oregon, and NRECA's Paul Breakman.

Small modular reactors and their smaller cousins, microreactors, are getting plenty of buzz as an important potential source of carbon-free power amid the energy transition. Are they capable of delivering on their many promises from a technological and financial standpoint, and how long will it take until we could realistically expect these devices to be added to the grid? Learn more from NRECA's Dan Walsh and Copper Valley Electric Association's Travis Million.

The $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law passed in late 2021 offers an unprecedented opportunity for electric co-ops to add services and improve their systems, but it also presents a challenge in terms of navigating the complicated and time-consuming process of applying for federal grants. Hear from NRECA's Lauren Khair on the association's infrastructure resources for co-ops and Victoria Electric Cooperative's Jessica Gray on how her co-op is managing the grant application process.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month edition: What do an electric cooperative's internal and operational networks look like to a hacker, and what can co-ops do to tighten their defenses? Hear from Ryan Newlon, NRECA's cybersecurity solutions principal, and Bryan Hatton, a cybersecurity researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory whose work includes “white hat hacking.”

August 25, 2022 Everything Co-op continues its recognition of the 2022 Cooperative Hall of Fame Inductees with Dan Waddle, Senior VP of NRECA International. Dan discusses his Career in Cooperatives and shares the history of NRECA's electrification efforts in Rural areas throughout the world. For more than 40 years, Dan Waddle's professional focus and personal passion has been to support rural communities to improve living conditions and stimulate income growth by supporting community-owned, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions. Understanding the power of the cooperative business model in developing countries, Dan has drawn on his academic background and experience to evaluate the viability of rural utilities, to contribute to design of infrastructure, and to train community members to form and operate cooperative electric utilities. These rural enterprises are designed to provide power for irrigation, dairy and grain processing, water supply, as well as health, education, and public security. In his present role as Senior VP of NRECA International, he not only leads NRECA contributions to global electrification expansion, but continues to lead projects in Latin America, Africa, and Asia with his trusted colleagues. Dan joined NRECA International in 1991 after completing the design of a new electrification program for NRECA in Bolivia, where he led a team of NRECA electrification specialists. The experience of working with the cooperative leaders in Bolivia was eye-opening; seeing the unique role that cooperatives can play with local agricultural and commercial enterprises, the collaboration with health and educational institutions, and the dedication to improving the quality of life of members brought a realization of how cooperatives are uniquely positioned to serve communities like no other business model. In the intervening years, Dan has led many electrification projects and programs all of which have focused on building improved energy services to support quality of life and income generation in rural communities. Under Dan's leadership, NRECA International has implemented successful, sustainable, scalable rural electrification programs that improve education, health care, safety, and economic opportunities in communities across the world. These cooperative ventures provide electric power to support agriculture, small and medium community enterprises, improved lighting and telecommunications for schools and health facilities, and for other public facilities including security lighting in village streets and common areas. Working with collaborating partners at federal, state and local levels in multiple countries that include Bangladesh, the Philippines, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Afghanistan, Uganda, Yemen, South Sudan, Colombia, and many others, Dan and his colleagues have steadfastly focused on the needs of beneficiary communities by introducing the benefits and fruits of the cooperative model as a means of organizing and sustaining electric service to support community growth and well-being. Dan's effective leadership comes from a commitment to listening to consumers, understanding local economic conditions and “building human capacity.” By focusing on supporting local community self-determination and trusting in the capacity of each community to understand its needs, Dan has focused his knowledge and skills to support poverty reduction through creation of vibrant and sustaining power solutions to meet all energy needs of client communities.

August 18, 2022 Laura Vogel, Senior Advisor for NRECA Political Affairs discusses Co-ops Vote, and National Voter Registration Day. Laura Vogel is the Senior Advisor for NRECA Political Affairs. As a member of the Political Affairs team, she is responsible for developing programs to encourage Co-op member and staff engagement in political issues that matter to the Co-op family and is the program manager for their voter initiative, Co-ops Vote. She is involved in NRECA's political training programs, serving as an instructor for the Grassroots Course for co-op Directors. Laura also provides strategic input for NRECA's annual Youth Tour program. Laura has a master's degree in Political Management from George Washington University, a bachelor's degree in History from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and a Certificate in PAC and Grassroots Management from the Public Affairs Council. Visit vote.coop to access information about voting in your jurisdiction, candidates who are running for office, or for links to register to vote, and much, much, more.

The ongoing global supply chain crisis has spurred double-digit inflation, frustrated companies and consumers and driven the U.S. economy to the brink of recession. Electric co-ops are feeling the brunt of the impact, facing unprecedented challenges in procuring key grid components like transformers, conductor and power poles. How are co-ops leading the industry in managing this supply crunch? Hear from Arkansas co-op leader Buddy Hasten and NRECA's Martha Duggan.

More than 200 electric cooperatives already provide broadband, and co-ops' role in this space is poised to become more prominent amid new government funding and an unprecedented resolve in the wake of the pandemic to close the digital divide. NRECA Broadband, a new service tier launched this summer, will leverage NRECA's expertise, influence and reputation in helping co-ops enter the telecommunications sector. Learn more from NRECA CEO Jim Matheson and Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Connor.