Cooperative Living July 2015 - 22

T'S YOUR BUSINESS by Anne Prince, Contributing Writer
The Power of Americans
FLAGS. COOKOUTS
AND COLD DRINKS.
The Fourth of July is a
festive day on which we
celebrate our nation's
independence with family
and friends. Typically, this
is not a day of quiet reflection.
While we spend a lot
of energy having fun, if we
give any thought about
our forebears and their
determined efforts to bring
about our nation's independence,
it's fleeting.
AN INDEPENDENT
SPIRIT IS A PART
OF OUR DNA
However, more than
AND DECLARING OUR
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
200 years after the
Declaration of Independence was crafted
and the independent nation of the United
States was formed, a uniquely American
spirit of independence remains part of our
collective DNA.
This sense of independence has
served us well. For example, more than
70 years ago, an independent streak
inspired groups of farmers across America
to band together and improve their quality
of life. Aside from President Franklin
Roosevelt's promise of federal aid in the
form of low-interest loans and engineering
expertise, rural Americans had little
help in bringing electricity to their homes.
So, they did it themselves by pulling
together and working cooperatively -
a shining example of American determination
and ingenuity.
Nearly every president since Richard
Nixon, during the time of the Arab oil
embargo in the 1970s, has talked about
the goal of U.S. energy independence -
reducing our reliance on imported oil and
other forms of foreign energy.
Today, while we still have a ways to
go, we are closer to that goal than ever
before. We are exporting more gas and
importing less foreign fuel than in recent
memory. American ingenuity in the form of
20
new technology and innovation is opening
up more options and spurring greater
efficiency across all forms of energy.
According to the Energy Information
Agency, energy expenditures as a share
of gross domestic product (GDP) are
forecast at 6.2 percent in 2015, their
lowest level since 2002, reflecting both
lower oil prices and ongoing increases
in energy efficiency.
THE ROAD TO ENERGY
INDEPENDENCE
Consumers have an important role
to play in energy independence. They
don't have to wait for Democrats and
Republicans to agree or environmentalists
and fossil fuel advocates to reach consensus
on a path to energy independence.
Consumers can play a part in moving us
toward national energy independence
by taking action in simple, practical ways
- insulating and caulking around windows,
doors and electrical outlets; washing
clothes in cold water instead of hot;
replacing air filters; installing a programmable
thermostat; and using more
energy-efficient appliances and home
heating and cooling systems. Efficiency
efforts can cut costs for individual houseR
benefit
to our country is
even greater.
If we all work together
to achieve increased
energy efficiency and
reduce our overall energy
consumption, we can
make even more progress
on our road toward energy
independence. Your
electric cooperative is a
resource for you in this
effort - give co-op staff a
call or visit www.energize
efficiently.coop for energy-saving
tips tailored for
your unique household
needs.
ELECTRIC CO-OPS
PROVIDE RENEWABLE
ENERGY RESOURCES
In addition, your electric cooperative's
power suppliers are actively
engaged in promoting renewable
energy resources such as wind, solar,
hydropower and biomass (including
landfill gas, livestock waste and timber
byproducts). Today, 95 percent of our
nation's 900-plus electric co-ops provide
electricity produced by renewable
sources, all playing a key role in
powering rural America while fostering
our nation's energy independence.
Recent advances in technology are
transforming how we make and move
electricity, and over time, these changes
will greatly improve not only the
efficiency but the reliability of electric
power. So this Fourth of July, as you
gaze up at the fireworks lighting up the
night sky, reflect on the enduring spirit
of independence that is integral to our
American character. n
Source: Rural Electricity Research Council,
www.rerc.com
Anne Prince writes on consumer and cooperative
affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm
of the nation's 900-plus consumer-owned, not-forprofit
electric cooperatives.
Cooperative Living/July 2015
WIM_CIA/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
C
E
L
E
B
A
T
I
N
G
http://www.energize http://www.efficiently.coop http://www.rerc.com
Cooperative Living July 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living July 2015
