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| April 2008 (archive of past message's)
Message from the General Manager . . . Politics, Climate Change, and the Cost of Energy: Part II Last month in this column we discussed the growing pressure congress is facing to take action on Climate Change, and the potential impact on the cost consumers will pay for electricity as a direct result of action, or inaction by congress. It is a fact; pressure continues to mount for Congress to do “something” now; and while the actions of our elected representatives in Washington may seem far away, their actions will have a direct impact on the members of Farmers’ Electric. An immediate need for new generation resources, and a desire by Congress to reduce greenhouse gasses, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), are on a collision course. Consumers are certain to be caught in the middle. I have reported for several years that our region is rapidly running out of generating capacity. This summer, a new, high-efficiency natural gas fueled generating unit will begin operation in the Hobbs, New Mexico area, and this new unit will give our region some growing room, but more capacity will be needed in the not-so-distant future. Some “experts” think we can meet this growing demand through energy efficiency and renewable energy resources. Energy efficiency and renewable energy can help to slow the growing demand for electricity, but they will not be enough. In early April, several of the Cooperative’s Trustees and I attended the “Renew New Mexico 2008” conference, held in Tucumcari, New Mexico. One of the goals of the conference was to explore how the potential for renewable energy development in New Mexico can address future generation needs; rising concerns about Climate Change; and energy security for our nation. In fact, attendees were asked to contact their congressmen in support of extending, or making permanent, the renewable energy production tax credits currently available to renewable energy developers. However, the question is much larger than the production tax credit issue; folks must be asking our representatives tougher questions like:
Folks do not need to be energy experts to ask questions. Asking questions helps find the answers to solve the problem of balancing Climate Change goals with keeping members lights on and their electric bills affordable. New Mexico’s Congressional delegation is hearing from a lot of different interest groups who have ideas about how to address Climate Change. They also need to hear from the folks they represent. After congress spends the money, the only thing left for consumers is to pay the bill. Congress needs to identify the cost consumers will pay before they pass new laws. Consider calling or writing the New Mexico Congressional delegation today. Contact information for New Mexico’s Congressional delegation: The Honorable Pete V. Domenici The Honorable Jeff Bingaman The Honorable Heather A. Wilson The Honorable Steve Pearce The Honorable Thomas Udall Until Next Month,
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