NCBA highlights co-op energy solutions at Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo

NCBA joined clean energy leaders, policymakers and industry experts on Capitol Hill last week for the 2026 Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum, hosted by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the House and Senate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucuses.

The annual event highlights practical energy solutions that lower household costs, strengthen the economy, build resilience and improve energy security. This year's forum featured remarks from members of Congress and a series of policy panels focused on affordability, reliability, innovation and building efficiency.

Carl Hammerdorfer, NCBA's Senior Vice President for Programs and Innovation, represented the cooperative sector on the forum's opening panel, "Lowering Household Energy Bills."

Watch the panel

The discussion focused on how energy efficiency, renewable energy and community-based solutions can help families manage rising energy costs while strengthening local economies.

Cooperatives play an important role in helping communities access affordable energy solutions. The Rural Energy Savings Program, which supports electric cooperatives in helping households and businesses finance cost-saving energy improvements through weatherization, efficiency upgrades, renewable energy investments and local infrastructure improvements is especially relevant in this discussion. EESI and NCBA have consistently worked to ensure that the program is funded, maintained and strengthened, recognizing its importance for rural communities.

The conversation comes at an important moment for federal rural energy policy. Just days before the EXPO, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman released the Senate's Farm Bill discussion draft, the Agricultural Act of 2026. The Farm Bill is a key vehicle for programs that support rural infrastructure, energy affordability and locally-driven economic development.

As Congress continues its work on the Farm Bill, NCBA will continue to advocate for policies that ensure cooperatives can fully participate in federal energy and rural development programs. Maintaining and strengthening tools like RESP is essential to helping rural communities lower costs, improve efficiency and build a more resilient energy future.

As policymakers look for ways to reduce household costs and strengthen rural economies, co-ops remain a practical, locally driven solutions for energy affordability.

To learn more about the NCBA's advocacy work and to learn how you can get involved, email us at [email protected].