Our Energy Update

On Thursday, May 21st, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved climate change legislation that they plan to bring to the House floor in late June. This legislation--the American Clean Energy & Security Act of 2009--seeks to impose a tax upon all electric consumers in the form of a cap-and-trade system.

Cap-and-trade has been the subject of much debate recently. Although it is a complex system to comprehend, the concept behind such a system is becoming more widely understood by electric consumers. At Southern, we are learning from our interaction with customers that concern for the impact of climate change legislation on affordable electricity is growing. In recent weeks we have received letters from customers who are concerned about how skyrocketing rates will impact their family budget, farm operations, small businesses and communities, and our overall local and national economy.

Additionally, I had an opportunity to listen in on a "public meeting" conducted by Congressman Adrian Smith which covered a wide range of issues. It was clear in listening to the concerns expressed by his constituents from across the state that affordable electric rates remain a top priority. During that same public meeting, Congressman Smith polled his listeners to determine if they support a cap-and-trade system. The results: 94 percent no, 6 percent yes.

We also recently learned in a letter received from Senator Johanns that the amendment he introduced on March 30th--which ensured that cap-and-trade legislation would not be slipped into law using budget reconciliation--was ignored by the authors of the budget resolution and dropped. Although this was discouraging news to hear, we continue to feel that the voices of constituents play a large part in the actions taken by our leaders. They are hearing our message, that we need electric rates to remain affordable. Its a simple message, but one that is strong when we all work together to make certain the message is heard!

This is a critical time for all electric consumers to get involved and speak up about that need for affordable electricity. We urge you to act now and engage in a conversation with our leaders in Washington, and you can do this through the Our Energy, Our Future campaign. Even if you don't consider yourself to be an "expert" on the complex issues surrounding energy, you probably do know whether or not you can afford to see your electric rates skyrocket, and what such increases will do to our local and national economy. Visit the Our Energy, Our Future website today and get to talking!