Our energy future

We all like knowing when folks have our back. It’s nice to solidify support with like- minded people who value the same things you do, but it proves to be even greater when you are open to suggestions and seek to first understand what provides the greatest good for all. This compromise and greater solution provide a sense of accomplishment and validation that you are doing the right thing to help and serve others. This month, we are going to highlight the lawmakers who do just that. They are always on our side and the side of our members seeking to do the right thing for the right reasons.

Creating the laws that govern our state is no small feat. These brave men and woman are elected to stand up for what is right and the voices of those they serve. As a co-op, those same voices are those of our members, and it matters to us that the laws and elected officials in our state look out for the people and their quality of life, which is what we value most. Fortunately, we have an outstanding delegation that aligns with our own personal mission to look out for our members. They understand co-ops are here to do good and serve others. Together, our interests continue to support what is best for our communities and our neighbors.

H.5118 is an example of how our support impacts our members. This legislation, which is called the “South Carolina Energy Security Act,” is co-op supported because it secures our energy future in South Carolina. Not only does it promote things like energy efficiency and renewables, but it also allows for a joint construction project to build a natural gas plant in the lower part of the state. Co-ops aren’t making anything on this bill. It is simply the right thing to do for our economy.

I’d like to say a special thank you to the following members of the South Carolina House of Representatives in our delegation who voted in favor of this bill: Raye Felder, Brandon Guffey, Randy Ligon, Dennis Moss, Mike Neese, Brandon Newton, David O’Neal and Tommy Pope. Similarly, Senators Wes Climer, Mike Fanning, Michael Johnson and Harvey Peeler were instrumental last year in supporting our cooperative and letting the voices of our members be heard at the state level. We continue to be grateful for the consistent support we receive at the State House.

I’d also like to take a moment to wish one of these representatives well as she retires from serving after 12 years. Raye Felder has not only helped the cooperative support the voices of our members, but she’s also been a great friend and neighbor to my family. When we lived in her neighborhood, I fondly remember her Christmas soup parties and was always grateful for the easy access she and her husband graciously granted our kids when they would cut through her yard to see their grandparents. Well done, Raye, and thank you.