By Randy Smith
If you’ve been a reader of Today in Mississippi for a while, you’ve probably noticed a familiar feature that appears every January—a two-page spread introducing our members to the local and state legislators who represent our service area. You may have even wondered why we dedicate space each year to highlighting these leaders. The reason is simple: the relationship between electric cooperatives and elected officials is vital to the work we do every day.
Electric cooperatives are unique organizations. We operate as private, not-for-profit businesses, but we don’t exist entirely on our own. Our structure, our responsibilities, and even the rules that guide our operations are established in state law. The Legislature created the framework for Mississippi’s electric cooperatives decades ago, and in 2016, the Mississippi Legislature passed significant revisions to the state’s Electric Power Association Act, which ultimately empowered member-owned electric cooperatives to be more self-regulated.
That connection to state law is also the reason we can provide services beyond electricity. In 2019, the Mississippi Broadband Enabling Act opened the door for cooperatives to offer high-speed internet. Without the support of our legislators, DE Fastlink would not have been possible. Their action has helped thousands of families, students, and businesses gain the reliable connectivity rural areas have needed for decades.
Maintaining a strong, nonpartisan relationship with elected officials is crucial. Electric cooperatives do not engage in politics—we engage in people. We work closely with leaders on both sides of the aisle to ensure they understand our mission, our challenges, and the impact their decisions have on the reliability and affordability of your service. Through the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi and Cooperative Energy, we also have lobbyists who monitor and engage in the legislative process to protect our members’ interests. When bills arise that could impact your power bill, service reliability, or our long-term planning, they ensure your voice is represented.
Our relationship with elected officials also extends to community development and youth leadership. Many legislators take time each year to participate in our Cooperative Youth Leaders programs—speaking to students during Cooperative University, answering their questions during panel discussions, and leading guided tours of the Capitol during the Cooperative Leaders Workshop. Their involvement gives our students a firsthand look at civic leadership and public service.
For members who want to stay informed, the ECM Legislative App—available at no cost—provides a simple way to follow bills, track elected officials, and stay connected during the legislative session.
As you explore this year’s legislator spread, we hope it helps you understand not only who represents our region, but also why our partnership with them matters. Together—co-ops, lawmakers, and communities—we can continue building a stronger future for the members we serve.