All across the state, utility customers are feeling the pinch of rising utility rates and frustration at the lack of choices for the types of energy they can consume. For rural electric co-op members, that pinch is even greater. On average, the rates in the co-ops are much higher--some nearly twice as high--as the other kinds of electric utilities in the state. While co-op members realize that the price for electricity will never go down, we know that the co-ops can be doing more to make sure the rates don't increase as rapidly as they have been and that electricity remains affordable to those who are most vulnerable to rising costs.

For this reason and many others, co-op members across the state have been organizing to bring about positive change in their co-ops for about a year now. They have been researching about how their co-ops work, and what they have learned is that many of the co-ops are making poor decisions that are affecting co-op member-owners negatively. They have also learned that the co-ops are very closed to members: board meetings are not open to members, most of them don't make their minutes or records easily available, and in many of them it is extremely difficult for members to run for their co-op boards. (Click here to read the full platform of reforms that KFTC members are seeking in their co-ops).

As we move forward in this campaign to open the co-ops and to encourage them to make the right decisions about our energy future, we will schedule events and actions that co-op members who would like to see change can participate in. Also, as we go forward, this website will include an information sheet on each co-op, keeping track of board meeting dates, contact information for all board members, salaries of key staff and board members, electric rates, and other key information that any co-op member should have access to. Please sign up below to receive updates about all of the above.

 ________________________

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth is a community of people taking action for justice. We work with people to organize in their home communities and across the state.  We help everyday community members become extraordinary community leaders.  We support community leaders as they build effective organizations.  Together, we win important issue campaigns.  If you want a better Kentucky--for all of us--join KFTC.