Our leaders in Congress are tackling tough energy choices this year—choices we, as a nation, should make together.

   Will we choose for electricity to remain affordable, or will we choose for it to be a luxury?

   Are we ready for brownouts if enough power is not available, or will we choose a diverse energy mix to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity in an environmentally responsible fashion?

   The climate change debate in Congress is coming down to the wire. Now, more than ever before, is the time to make sure your voice—and your choice—is heard.

   At the core of the climate change proposal is a cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. 

   Under cap-and-trade, greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, from power plants and other sources would be required to stay below a set limit—the cap.

   It must be affordable for all Americans; and its goals must be achievable—when they take effect, the technology needed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions should be commercially viable at each step of the way.

   At Piedmont Electric our choice is clear. We’ve always been committed to providing affordable, reliable energy in a responsible manner.

   This choice reflects who we are, and why we were founded by members like you in an effort to move our community forward into a brighter future.

   Together we can choose to speak up for affordability. We can choose to invest in technology to lower energy costs, and we can pave the way for adding energy to the grid.

   Most importantly we can choose to work together, calling on Congress to work with electric cooperatives in a combined effort to address climate change responsibly with affordability in mind.

   Make sure your voice—and your choice—counts.

   Visit www.ourenergy.coop and/or www.findabalancesolution.com and choose to be heard today.

   In early September those of you who have already taken the time to contact your elected officials through the Our Energy, Our Future campaign received a letter and two pre-addressed cards for our state’s senators.

   Your initial contact cards were hand-delivered on Capitol Hill, and now we’re asking you to direct your concerns to our senators through a second mailing.

   If you have not done so already, please complete these cards and return them as quickly as possible.

   And, to those of you who have not contacted your elected officials, we ask you to join in our efforts to help keep electric rates as affordable as possible.

   All emissions would then have to be accounted for by allowances issued by the federal government, which could be swapped and sold—the trade. 

     The U.S. Senate must make climate change legislation fair, recognizing regional differences in how electricity is produced.