Electricity and energy-related issues are at the forefront of today’s political debate. The legislation and regulations
crafted by lawmakers regularly impact electric cooperatives and their member-owners. Participating in ACRE Co-op Owners
for Political Action is your opportunity to support state and federal officeholders and candidates who support electric
co-ops.
Addressing some legislative issues requires more resources than South Central Power has. At those times, individual cooperatives
rely on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE).
NRECA established ACRE in 1966 to support state and federal officeholders and candidates who speak up and protect the interests
of electric cooperatives and their member-owners.
ACRE recently expanded its efforts beyond co-op directors and employees to include electric cooperative member-owners with Co-op
Owners for Political Action (COPA). It’s how the voices of member-owners are heard on Capitol Hill and at the Ohio Statehouse.
Today, more than 34,000 like-minded residential consumers participate in COPA. With an average contribution of $44.00, it’s
truly a grassroots political action committee.
Factors that determine financial support include a candidate’s position on issues critical to electric co-ops, as well as their
votes and public statements on these issues. Committee assignments and leadership positions are considered, as are a candidate’s
financial need and the strength of his/her opponent. Political affiliation is not taken into account. Both Republicans and Democrats
receive COPA contributions.