Second electric summer study meeting in the books

From the Coalition to Preserve Consumer Choice:

The Electric Services in an Annexed Area Interim Legislative Committee met for the second time in late August. Much like the first meeting in July, our Public Power communities showed up in a big way to support our efforts!

The committee utilized all of the scheduled time beginning at 10 a.m., working through lunch and finishing at 4 p.m.

Representatives from our Coalition opened up the meeting with a comprehensive presentation focused on voluntary annexations that have taken place in public power communities and why the landowners asked to be municipal customers. The presentation will be available to be viewed and downloaded here.

The communities of Brookings and Vermillion were asked to present their system maps in the afternoon and did an excellent job showing how those cities have planned for future growth.

The public comment period also provided time for additional testimony from Heartland customers Aurora and Arlington. The mayors of both communities pointed out that a territory freeze would hinder growth in small towns where leaders are putting forth great effort and investment to help their communities succeed.

Everyone should be very proud of the great group of city employees and representatives for all of the hard work and dedication they have put forth thus far.

In addition, we want to thank all of the legislators on the interim committee. As we all know, this is a very complex issue and we appreciate the diligence and open-mindedness from everyone we’ve seen to date!

There will be at least one more meeting this fall with the date yet to be determined. Committee members expressed the desire for the next meeting to focus on possible solutions and potential legislation.  We’ll keep everyone informed as we move forward and thank you for your support thus far!

Featured image: Arlington Mayor Amiel Redfish provided public comment before the committee.