News
2/14/2011
We're Different!
Cooperatives are different from other business you deal with. To tell you the truth, I like being different. And the fact that you’re reading this article shows you like that difference, too.
We’re different because we’re Looking Out for You. Now, more than ever, that’s important because we need to work together to keep your electric bills affordable.
Congress did not pass a comprehensive climate bill last year. In January, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began regulating greenhouse gasses—an action made possible by a 2007 Supreme Court decision, followed by rulings allowing the EPA to use the Clean Air Act to curb carbon emissions. Policies dealing with coal ash, even more stringent controls on other power plant emissions, and state renewable energy requirements could also lead to higher costs. It’s hard to predict the future, but one thing seems certain: government regulations are going to increase the cost of doing business.
New regulations won’t be the only culprit. Prices for fuel, materials, and equipment will continue to rise. Although the recent economic slump and corresponding drop in electricity use provided some much-needed breathing room, soon we will need to build new power plants, requiring a significant, long-term investment of time and money.We’re committed to keeping you informed about policy changes that will impact your electric bill through channels like MVEA’s website and Colorado Country Life Magazine. We’re going to do everything we can to keep your electric bills affordable.
To accomplish that, we’re controlling costs through innovation. Our energy efficiency programs, like Energy Efficiency Credits, helps you manage your energy use. Our website, TogetherWeSave.com shows how little changes like sealing your air ducts, replacing old appliances, or improving your home’s insulation can add up to big savings on your electric bill.
Deploying state-of-the-art solutions like our automated meter infrastructure system, helps us control operating costs and improve service reliability. Nationally, cooperatives are meeting members’ power needs with a diverse fuel mix, including renewable energy.
While we’re affordable and innovative, above all else we’re member focused. No matter what comes our way we’ll continue to put you, our members, first. MVEA is member controlled and locally operated. As a member, you have a voice in how your co-op operates. At our annual meeting each year you have the opportunity to elect fellow members to our board of directors to represent your best interests. Don’t miss our next meeting on June 9 in Calhan!
Member control means we are accountable to those we serve, and are dedicated to assisting our communities—your money stays at work close to home. Costs are rising for all of us, but when it comes to your electric bill our rates are set simply to cover the cost of doing business, not to generate profits for distant stockholders.
In fact, as a not-for-profit organization, we give money back to you when our revenues exceed costs. I’m proud to report that in 2010 we returned more than $3.4 million dollars to our members in the form of capital credits
The bottom line? We exist only to serve you and meet your needs for safe, reliable, and affordable power.
As you can see, we’re different. We’re working together to keep your electric bills affordable. We’re controlling costs through innovation. And we’re continuing to put you, our members, first. No matter what the future brings, one thing is certain. We’re Looking Out for You.
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