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The rules are designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 32 percent below levels recorded in 2005. But given its complexity and far- reaching nature, it might as well be called the “National Energy Policy Regulation of 2015” because it will have significant consequences for how we generate, distribute and use electricity in this country for decades to come. Over the past two years, electric co-ops across the country have been working hard to ask the EPA to go back to the drawing board and develop a plan that is more achievable and affordable. Together, electric cooperative advocates submitted more than 1.2 million comments to the EPA over these rules. That’s nearly 30 percent of all the comments EPA received from all inter- ested groups. Unfortunately, despite that effort the EPA “put the pedal to the metal” and finalized the rules. We asked co-op members to submit comments be- cause the EPA’s rule will raise the price of electricity and potentially endanger the reliable power that we work hard to provide every day. Despite claims from the EPA, this rule will un- doubtedly increase monthly electric bills. It’s not yet clear by how much, but the previous proposal stated a national average increase of 10 percent in 2025, with some states seeing higher increases and other states seeing lower increases. (And that’s 10 percent over any inflation-adjusted, otherwise normal projections.) Part of the cost increases will come from prematurely shut- ting down power plants that are in good working condition. Like any business, co-ops plan a specific life-span for these assets and spread out the costs over those decades to keep electricity afford- able for members. If we’re forced to shut down those plants early, then we not only lose that source of affordable power, but will have to purchase replacement power from the marketplace with less price-point predictability. And you - our members - will end up paying twice. That’s just not fair, especially since the Clean Air Act says the EPA is supposed to consider the “remaining useful life” of a power plant when setting standards. The possibility of closing power plants also raises concerns about reliability. Plants are connected points on which electric grid operators rely for power. Without these assets, it will increase stress on the grid - especially during extreme weather events. EPA expects co-ops and other utilities to make up the lost


(EPA) finalized its rules regulating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, dubbed the “Clean Power Plan.”


EPA’s Clean Power Plan - On August 3, the Environmental Protection Agency


How it will negatively impact electric co-ops


power with additional renewable resources, natural gas and energy efficiency. Each of these options is a good component of an overall energy mix, and co-ops across the country have been developing new technologies to harness them. But each also has its disadvantages.


Co-ops make it a priority to balance all of our energy sources, along with helping consumers save money by conserving en- ergy where possible. But the final rule will put us into a rush to transition to more renewable resources and natural gas without consideration for the time needed to build the new infrastructure (like natural gas pipelines and more electric transmission lines) needed to make those resources more realistic for co-op members in Oklahoma. The EPA is in uncharted waters with this incredibly complex scheme, and it’s difficult to predict how the timeline will play out. Each state covered by the rules will have a couple of years to submit a plan to the EPA demonstrating how the state will comply with the EPA mandate. Oklahoma’s plan will have a big impact on what electric co-ops, along with other utilities in our state, will have to do and how much it will cost. But rest assured: While that work is going on, we will continue to stand up for our members. We’re fighting for you and have joined with co-ops from across the country in seeking legislative and legal remedies to protect your interests.


In a holiday rush?... Don’t skimp on safety!


It’s almost time to unpack the holiday lights and dress the house up for Christmas. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping, party planning, school concerts and work, however, you might be tempted to deck your halls in a hurry. Slow down. The winter holidays can be


the best time of the year—as long as you and your family stay safe. No matter how busy you are, take care


to protect your home from the risk of fire as you celebrate the holidays. A third of all residential fires occur during the winter, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. Don’t let your home become a statistic because you didn’t take time for


safety. 412901


Pay attention to: • Overloaded outlets and electrical


cords. Invest in a high-quality power strip, where you can plug extra lights, appliances and decorations.


• Hidden electrical cords. Never run cords under rugs or in high-traffic areas. People can trip over them, and the rug can cause wear on a cord. That can make it vulnerable to overheating and starting a fire.


• Crack or frayed wire on a cord. If you see one that’s damaged, throw it away.


• Extension cords. After the holidays are over, pack them up and store them with your decorations. Extension cords are not designed for permanent use.


• Smoke alarms. Keep your smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm batteries fresh. Change them before company arrives.


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