[Watchdogs] We were number one bad now we're number one good!

Thu Feb 11 10:52:35 CST 2010

I agree, Clyde. We have a ways to go. But, as mark said, it's based on progress from where we were. By that criterion, the recognition may be justified. And yes, a number of other coops across the country are a mess. And the rotten system is supported by wrong-headed national and state organizations that seem to be dedicated to maintaining the status quo. But don't give up. More change is possible (and, I would like to think, coming).

Onward!
Ric

Ric Sternberg
AiM Productions
830-825-0133
www.aimproductions.com
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Clyde Doyal 
  To: 'Ric Sternberg' ; Watchdogs at PEC4u.org 
  Sent: Thursday, February 11, 2010 10:07 AM
  Subject: RE: [Watchdogs] We were number one bad now we're number one good!

  I find this rather interesting and certainly surprising.  If PEC ranks among the best it paints a very dismal picture of electric coops.  I do think we owe thanks to those who have worked so hard to make the few changes that we have seen over the last two years.  I think some are becoming discouraged at the lack of progress and probably are ready to throw in the towel as it appears the majority of members of the PEC could care less how this cash cow outfit is run as long as the power stays on.  Clyde Doyal, Lakeway

  From: Watchdogs-bounces at pec4u.org [mailto:Watchdogs-bounces at pec4u.org] On Behalf Of Ric Sternberg
  Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 12:15 PM
  To: Watchdogs at PEC4u.org
  Subject: [Watchdogs] We were number one bad now we're number one good!

  Dear Coop Friends,

  I just had to share this post from Mark Kresowik to the Public Power Reform list. Mark was one of the organizers of the conference in Washington that PEC members Smitty & Karen, Patrick, Paul & Lee and I attended this past summer. People on the list were asked to post their info about best and worst practices at coops aross the country and below is Mark's summary.

  IMO, we still have a little bit to go. Term limits, meaningful subsidies and rebates for efficiency and on-site renewables would really justify that "number one" shout-out.

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  I have 9 co-ops on each, spread across the country.  Generally for "best", I was looking for progress.  Not necessarily all the way there, but making good strides.  On worst, well, most of them have been well discussed on this list previously.  I look forward to hearing the responses, additions, changes.  Thanks!

  Mark

  Best List

  Pedernales (TX).  Two years ago this would have been the worst co-op in the country, but after the PEC Watchdogs effort, a little help from the media and government, PEC has shown what it takes to move from the bad list to the good list.  Things like a member bill of rights, open meetings, transparent and easily accessible elections, innovative agreements with generation and transmission co-ops, and new commitments to energy efficiency and clean energy make PEC at the top of the list.  

  Valley Electric Association (NV) - good solar heating program, CEO is trying to get a renewable energy caucus started within the co-ops

  Socorro Electric Cooperative (NM) - 3 reform-minded members won seats on the Socorro board in 2009 and immediately introduced bills to cap board member benefits and ensure transparency of meetings and elections.  

  Farmers Electric Cooperative (IA) - Possibly the oldest co-op in the country, Farmers CEO Warren McKenna has been a staunch advocate for efficiency and renewable energy.  Small and old can still be good!

  Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative (MT) - Yellowstone vigorously defended keeping its rates low, to the point of suing its G&T to prevent them from building a new coal plant (Highwood)

  Homer Electric Association (AK) - The reform-minded efforts of Mike O'Meara and others at HEA have made this co-op the most progressive cooperative in Alaska

  Delta Montrose Electric Association (CO) - I know Bill pushed back a bit on this one, but when we first started this list, DMEA was one of the top co-ops Justin listed as engaging members and being transparent.  I think their departure from the association, while not necessarily something we want to encourage (engagement may be better) does put them into this list.  

  Another CO co-op (whichever Bill/Wes/Justin think deserves it) - I know there is another good co-op, probably one of the co-ops Bill listed, that deserves to be on this list

  Polk-Burnett (WI) - while certainly not at the top of the list, Jeff's efforts as board member are demonstrating that progress can happen when even a single good board member decides to take action and improve transparency.  

  Worst List

  Cobb (GA) - Do I even need to give the reasons?  No elections for more than 2 years, federal investigations, trying to build more coal, and basically privatized the co-ops operations for personal benefit.  This is the farthest thing from the history and foundation of what co-ops should be.  

  Carroll (AR) - The folks in Arkansas can explain it better, but I also want to add in that they are a member of AECC, possibly the most regressive G&T in the country on dirty energy issues.  

  Intermountain Rural Electric Association (CO) - Again, do I need to give the reasons?  The CO folks can fill them in.  

  Wolverine (MI) - Tom, you want to jump in with one of the individual MI co-ops, or give it to Wolverine as a whole?  

  EKPC - a G&T that actually requested that some of the member/ratepayers of their member co-ops not be granted intervenor status in a financing/rate case because they weren't members of EKPC itself.  Financially unstable, but still trying to build more coal than any other co-op in the country, except for maybe AECC.  

  CoServ (TX) - Members lawsuit

  Golden Valley Electric Association (AK) - Where HEA is Alaska's best, GVEA may be Alaska's worst

  Sulphur Springs (AZ) - Good reasons already give on this list

  East Texas Electric Cooperative (TX) - Talk about biting the hand that feeds you, this G&T tried to sue the Rural Utilities Service to defend its involvement in a coal plant.  I know all of the other co-ops in the country were very mad after ETEC did this.  

  Ric Sternberg
  AiM Productions
  830-825-0133
  www.aimproductions.com
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