If there’s one word chilling the blood of politicians across the aisle today, it’s affordability. From housing to healthcare, education and energy, costs are rising everywhere — and no one is happy about it.

This time of year can be especially hard. Severe winter weather drives up heating costs. There are many reasons for increasing costs in the energy sector, from increased electrification to spiking infrastructure costs and regulatory pressures.

Understanding these conditions is important to make sense of how we got here. It’s also important to understand how co-ops fit into the picture — and that we are on your side.

Here at Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, we’re not just an energy company, and you’re not just a customer. Electric cooperatives are different from every other kind of utility because we are owned by the people we serve. As a member-owner, you’re a part-owner of the company that purchases and distributes power to you. This is a responsibility we take seriously.

We are speaking up for you in Nashville, Frankfort and in Washington, D.C., to advocate for commonsense energy policies that protect affordability along with the reliability and safety of our energy supply. Too many interest groups are willing to accept policies that increase costs for everyone in service of their own agendas. Co-ops are the voice of reason on your behalf.

We also look out for you by providing regular and reliable information about our cooperative, issues affecting the energy supply, programs and services to help you reduce energy use and tips to stay safe around electricity in all weather conditions. Knowledge is power, and it’s essential to rely on information you can trust. 

And as demand on the grid grows every day, we are also planning for the future with you in mind. We understand that economic growth is critical, but we also know that it can’t come at the expense of our members. This attitude is no accident. It’s built into the way we operate. Because we’re a cooperative, we are accountable to you, first and last.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you.