Why is SPD Engaged in OEOF?

Southern Power District has been engaged in a campaign this year called Our Energy, Our Future. There is a very simple concept that urged the District to boost their involvement in the campaign. That concept is that events being discussed in Washington DC will dramatically increase the affordability of your electric service. Southern Power District--its board of directors and staff--feels an obligation to make customers aware of those events. We feel it is our job to inform you--our customers--so you can make judgements and take the action you feel is appropriate.

We have seen predictions that your electric rates could triple in the next 10 years if global warming legislation is passed. In some instances, we have been accused of engaging in “scare tactics” with this campaign. We, on the other hand, feel you need to know the facts so you can determine for yourself if you should be “scared”. We know that concerned citizens ultimately have the power to make a big difference. On the federal level, Southern does virtually no lobbying on your behalf. Our national association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, is working hard to make sure your voice is heard. Southern wants nothing more than to engage you in these discussions and to provide you with an easy route to let your Senators and Congressman know of your feelings.

It is important to Southern’s Board that you know we are not engaging in a pro or con debate on global warming. However we do feel that when this issue is being addressed, it is important to keep our electric rates affordable. We are not against renewable generation, but feel that electric service must be affordable, and there when you need it. Providing high quality and reliable electric service at an affordable price is the short version of the mission statement of almost every electric utility in the United States. We feel that as legislation is considered in regard to global warming that this mission deserves some consideration as well.

We hope you will consider joining us in this nationwide grassroots effort, and let those in Washington DC know how you feel. There are tools available on Southern’s website, at www.southernpd.com/oeof that make it very easy for you to communicate to Nebraska’s delegation in Washington. What if anything you say is up to you, but the tools also provide some clear and to-the-point messages that you can choose to put your name on.

These are critical times in the electric industry and what happens in the weeks to come can dramatically shape your electric energy future. Do not make the mistake of being passive; thinking someone else is looking out for your best electric supply interests. Remember this is your energy we are discussing, and it is your future that may be impacted.