Thank you, Co-op Caucus
Lawmakers speak up for co-op communities
THIS MONTH’S KENTUCKY LIVING is a special one, for several reasons. We are especially proud of our 2026 Legislative Guide, which you can download here. This publication exists to connect you with your elected representatives and senators in Frankfort.
Over the past couple years, we’ve expanded the guide to include the 100-plus members of the Rural Electric Cooperatives Caucus. One of the largest caucuses in the General Assembly, this group of leaders advocates for the interests of local co-op consumer-members across the commonwealth. We appreciate each of these members and their efforts to learn more about electric cooperatives and issues that affect us every day.
You will also notice we have maps showing your representatives and senators in their respective districts so you can put faces with the names of the people who represent you. We also list these elected officials by co-op, so you can see who represents your co-op as a whole, as well as who represents your specific county in the co-op’s service area.
Our relationship to our state’s governing bodies is important because as co-ops, we are your consumer advocates. The cooperative difference means that as a consumer, you are also a part-owner of the cooperative that delivers your power. We truly work for you.
This brings me to another reason we are especially proud of this issue. Our cover story discusses one of the challenges that is having a tremendous impact across the energy sector—the increase in energy demand. This is something that we cannot avoid, but Kentucky’s electric cooperatives are taking strategic action to prepare and to advocate on your behalf so that you do not shoulder unnecessary costs that come with new development.
Alongside these important topics, we’ve got some lighter fare, from food stories to travel tips. You might feel inspired to try a recipe or visit a new region of the commonwealth. I’ve mentioned our legislators who are currently in session in Frankfort, and this month’s Worth the Trip column includes some of the top destinations in our capital city.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Kentucky Living, but perhaps even more, I hope it encourages you to connect with your elected officials and let them know you appreciate their support on issues that matter to Kentucky’s electric cooperatives.
On January 22, legislators took time out of their busy schedules to join us for the Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Caucus Lunch. We appreciate the opportunity to connect, share perspectives and discuss the issues that matter to the communities we serve. Strong relationships between Kentucky’s electric cooperatives and our policymakers are essential to keeping power reliable and affordable. We value your partnership and continued dialogue. Photos: Wade Harris
