New Executive Orders a Big Boost for Reliability, Electric Co-op Leaders at White House Event Say

ARLINGTON, Va. - National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson and several NRECA member CEOs today expressed appreciation for President Trump's announcement recognizing the critical role played by always available energy generating resources, including coal-fired power plants, in maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid.

Matheson and co-op executives were on hand for a White House event where the President signed and discussed the new executive actions.

"President Trump and his National Energy Dominance Council are making good on their commitment to pursue a pro-energy policy agenda that prioritizes reliable power," Matheson said. "At a time when electricity demand is skyrocketing, we need to be adding more always available energy to the grid, not shutting down power plants that have useful life left. Electric co-ops provide reliable power to communities across the country. Today's announcements help drive home smart energy policies that will support efforts to keep the lights on at a price families and businesses can afford. We thank the administration for recognizing the continued importance of always-available resources in the nation's energy mix."

Electric cooperatives wholly or partially own 79 coal units with a total capacity of about 21 gigawatts. Eleven of these units, about 3 GW of capacity, are scheduled to be retired between 2025 and 2030. Three GW is enough to power roughly 2.5 million homes.

Co-op leaders welcome Executive Orders

Tony Campbell, CEO of East Kentucky Power Cooperative, spoke alongside the President and thanked him for partnering with electric co-ops to power America's future.

"America must keep coal plants open and running to ensure reliable electricity when we need it most," Campbell said. "To meet growing demand over the next decade and ensure fuel security, America will need more always available power, such as coal."

Several other electric co-op leaders attended the White House ceremony. Their co-ops would benefit from the proclamation and executive order in a variety of ways.

Mac McLennan, president and CEO, Minnkota Power Cooperative: "We commend the Administration for recognizing the importance of a reliable and resilient electric grid and for embracing an all-of-the-above energy strategy to meet the demands of our growing, data-driven world. Coal remains a vital part of that mix, providing dependable, around-the-clock power. As electricity usage continues to rise, especially with the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, it's essential to invest in technologies that support and strengthen coal's role on the grid. That commitment will be key to ensuring a stable and secure energy future for our nation."

David J. Tudor, CEO and general manager, Associated Electric Cooperative: "Coal and natural gas continue to be the backbone of electric reliability for America and the rural heartland served by Associated Electric Cooperative. I am encouraged by the efforts of this administration to keep it that way, so that our country and its citizens can continue to thrive without the constant threat of energy scarcity and cost increases to rural cooperative member-owners. I applaud President Trump for his bold actions today to keep our electricity supply reliable and affordable."

Vernon "Buddy" Hasten, president and CEO, Arkansas Electric Cooperatives: "Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, the generation and transmission cooperative for Arkansas' electric cooperatives, is a longtime advocate for ensuring the electric cooperative members have access to reliable, affordable energy. For the past few years, we have stressed the importance of a balanced power approach that includes all available energy sources to power the state and our nation. Arkansas is addressing potential long-term energy capacity issues due to the scheduled closure of low-cost, dispatchable generation assets. Thank you to President Trump for working to assist Arkansas and the nation to ensure that electric cooperative members will continue to power the economy with a diversified and balanced portfolio of 24/7/365 generation resources."

Annalisa M. Bloodworth, president and CEO, Oglethorpe Power Corporation: Oglethorpe Power's mission is to safely provide affordable and reliable energy to the rural Georgia electric cooperatives we serve. We value every resource in our diverse energy portfolio. Today the nation's electric grid is under tremendous pressure from increasing demand, and we need to use every generation source available. Oglethorpe Power's co-owned units at Plant Scherer, a coal-fired facility, provide an important source of generation with 50+ days of fuel stored on site, ready to be used on a moment's notice. Coal plants keep the lights on in a crisis, and they enhance the reliability and resiliency of our electric grid.

Todd Brickhouse, CEO and general manager, Basin Electric Power Cooperative: "Basin Electric supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy, with coal remaining a vital part of that approach. Our coal fleet continues to deliver reliable, affordable, and dispatchable power-ensuring grid stability for our members and region. We're grateful for President Trump's leadership in advancing this mission and helping safeguard the long-term energy needs of rural America."

Craig Grooms, president and CEO, Ohio's Electric Cooperatives: "Ohio's electric cooperatives and the 1 million people they serve, depend on Buckeye Power to deliver reliable, affordable electricity-especially during Ohio's cold winters and hot summers. Coal-fired power generation is at the core of keeping that promise. OEC is pleased to work with an administration that makes the reliability of electricity a priority."

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing nearly 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation's landscape. As local businesses built by the consumers they serve, electric cooperatives have meaningful ties to rural America and invest $15 billion annually in their communities.

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