The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to release regulations to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at existing power plants. The result could be more expensive electricity for Coweta-Fayette EMC’s service area residents. This means less money in your pocket.

 

On July 29, 2014, the EPA held their first “listening session” in Atlanta. At the meeting, many electric cooperative and utility leaders from Georgia and other surrounding states voiced their deep concerns about the economic and other unintended consequences that the carbon dioxide emission regulations could bring about.

 

At Coweta-Fayette EMC, we believe that relying on diverse fuel sources for electric generation is the best way to keep electric bills affordable. Whether our electricity is generated using nuclear power, natural gas, coal, solar panels, landfill gas or hydro, we take our responsibility seriously to provide reliable and affordable electricity while doing our best to protect the environment.

 

We care about the price of electricity because we’re a not-for-profit electric co-op that looks out for our members and their checkbooks. We’re concerned that the EPA is making a decision that could force an increase in the cost of electricity and erode the reliability of our power supply.

 

What’s at stake? If electricity prices rise, we’re worried that the trickle-down effect could be severe in the counties we serve which are Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Fulton, Clayton, Meriwether, Spalding and Troup. Higher electricity prices created artificially due to mandated EPA actions and not as a result of true economic necessity would hurt businesses of all types, potentially leading to slower job growth or even loss of jobs.

 

The EPA published the new proposed rule to regulate carbon emissions in the Federal Register on June 18, 2014, officially opening a 120-day public comment period. The EPA will be taking comments until the end of the comment period on October 16, 2014.

 

That’s why we’re encouraging not only our members, but everyone in the region to speak up. Please visit www.Action.coop or www.TellEPA.com if you wish to tell the EPA officials in Washington, D.C. that we can’t afford more unreasonable regulations in Georgia which will result in higher electric bills.

 

For the Team,

Anthony H. Sinclair “Tony” – President/CEO Coweta-Fayette EMC