Governmental Affairs
AREA’s legislative activities are guided by the association’s Legislative Committee, which is composed of cooperative managers and directors. This committee meets regularly to establish the association’s position on any legislative matter and to review all legislative challenges to the electric cooperatives of Alabama. The Legislative Committee also directs the development of any proposed legislation for the betterment of the electric cooperative program.
On behalf of Alabama’s 22 Electric Cooperatives’ that serve more than 1.1 million Alabamians, Alabama Rural Electric Association represents electric cooperatives’ interests before the:
- Alabama Legislature
- Alabama Public Service Commission
- United States Congress
- Other state and federal regulatory agencies
The primary responsibility of this department is to ensure that legislation and regulations will not adversely affect the electric cooperatives’ ability to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Our staff works to:
- Educate lawmakers and regulators about Alabama’s electric cooperatives
- Monitor legislation that affects electric cooperatives
- Coordinate efforts to influence legislation and regulation when necessary
The electric cooperatives of Alabama are long-standing members within their communities, providing volunteers and leadership year after year. The electric cooperatives’ member-elected boards and their employees comprise a natural and valued grassroots network throughout the state. This network offers the opportunity to bring together constituents who provide essential services to their communities with their local representatives.
Click here to download AREA’s Alabama Senate and Representative Legislative maps.
Political Action Committee
The PAC is the political action committee (PAC) of Alabama’s electric co-ops. It supports political candidates who will speak for and protect the interests of electric co-ops and their consumer-owners. The PAC is truly a grassroots PAC backed by over 2,000 individuals making personal contributions.