Manager Douglas pleased to see Congress include provisions in the year-end spending package to support electric cooperative members and their communities struggling during the pandemic.
"Our communities are suffering the impact of the pandemic. There are many elements of the bill that will support co-op members and their communities and we are deeply appreciative that Congress has met those needs," Douglas said.
Key provisions supported by electric co-ops include:
- $25 billion in rental assistance including payments for utility bills
- Extensions in the Paycheck Protection Program
- Grants and technical expertise to help co-ops implement energy storage technology
- Research and development funding for environmentally-friendly sources of energy
"Finding funding for energy innovation is essential and this will continue to help us meet this goal," Douglas said.