This article is in response to a recent guest comment calling for more out of state mandates to our local cooperative from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supporting additional carbon emission reduction rules. The guest comment came from several non-local, under informed individuals who have been circulating this article across the state to drum up support for more federal bureaucracy.
As Paul Harvey used to say, “now for the rest of the story.” Ravalli Electric Cooperative (REC) receives 100% of our power from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The vast majority of the power supplied to the 10,359 services in Ravalli County is produced by the dams along the Columbia River. 96% of the power supplied by BPA to REC has zero, let me repeat zero, carbon emissions from the production of electricity.
Increasing federal legislation to reduce carbon emission when we are almost carbon free now, can do nothing but increase your rates and increase bureaucracy. REC and our statewide association, Montana Electric Cooperative Association (MECA), are actively working to look out for your interests against mandates of one size fits all. We are working to educate our local elected officials. Misinformation and sound bites used by those promoting measures that don’t make sense are doing an injustice to all citizens.
REC is governed by a board of local volunteering individuals. They are an elected board that do what makes sense for the entire Membership they represent. The Board is committed to serving the membership with reliable, affordable and environmentally conscious produced electricity.
With that being said, REC is extremely supportive to renewable energy and its use. We work with all member-consumers who wish to install renewable energy, such as solar panels, at their home or business. REC has looked, is looking and will continue to look at renewable generation to see what makes sense to the membership.
With essentially no growth of our local economy or need for additional electricity and our strong focus on promoting energy efficiency, at this time, it does not make sense for REC to install a different type of higher cost renewable energy such as solar or wind just to quit producing electricity from another more reliable and cost effective renewable source, such as Hydro-electricity.
Hopefully this letter helps clear up the untrue perception portrayed in last week’s guest column. REC is committed to the environment and representing the members we serve. We will continue to serve the Bitterroot Valley in the most cost effective and environmentally conscious manner available. If you have further questions or clarifications please feel free to stop by our office.
Jim Maunder
Ravalli Electric Co-op