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Waxman-Markey Energy Legislation

Several weeks ago, I notified you about the Waxman-Markey energy legislation currently being considered in the US House. The bill is broad legislation intended to address climate change. It includes renewable energy standards, energy efficiency standards and provisions for greenhouse gas reductions. NC Public Power, along with many other electric providers, agrees that all of these issues are important, but that each issue’s substantial economic impact and questionable feasibility should be considered before legislation is enacted.

In the May 5 memo, I included several pieces intended to help you communicate this issue in your community. Thank you for the efforts you have made thus far – we have heard from many of you requesting bill inserts and local advertisements. Our message has been heard by Congress and the bill was substantially changed as it progressed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee. I’m happy to report that the rate impact to NC Public Power has been reduced somewhat in the latest version released. However, the end result of this legislation is largely unknown as the bill will be reviewed by multiple committees before a final House vote. We must continue to deliver the message in order to protect our customers’ interests throughout the review process. We will continue to follow the issue and update you as developments unfold.

In last week’s issue of Transformations, we included an update on the legislation’s status (included with this memo). We have updated several of the communications pieces to reflect the updated provisions included in the bill.

Included with this memo are several new and revised materials for your local use. All of these pieces are also available on the ElectriCities website at www.electricities.com:

  • Updated talking points;
  • Updated sample open letter to be used as a letter to the editor or in a weekly manager/mayor communication;
  • Updated bill insert/poster/advertisement for use with your customers;
  • Updated “Call to Action” for customers to use when contacting Congress; and
  • Local resolution for use with your governing board.

We ask that you consider adopting the resolution and forwarding it to your Congressional delegation. Please send any correspondence to ElectriCities Government Relations staff at edavis@electricities.org, as well.

Please contact Rebecca Agner at 800-768-7697 ext. 6334 or ragner@electricities.org to order bill inserts, posters or for assistance with any local communications on this issue.


We are also developing short videos for use on our website and in your community. The video will be sent to you when it is available.

ElectriCities staff is available to speak to your City Council or other groups about the detrimental effects of this legislation. To arrange a presentation or for more information about the bill, contact Estherine Davis at ext. 6310 or edavis@electricities.org.

 

Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue.

Updated Talking Points

Updated Letter

Bill Insert

Updated Call to Action

Local Resolution

May 8 Memo