How will changes in D.C. impact your electric bill?

President Obama took office yesterday. Wow...Can you imagine being in that crowd? No matter how you voted in November, there's no denying Tuesday's inauguration was a historic event.

Speaking of history making events, President Obama's proposed energy policy could have an impact on our country for generations to come. There is a heavy emphasis on renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and lots of other things that, on the surface, are not bad. It's going to cost a lot of money to get it right, but it could be an even bigger expense if things are done the wrong way.

Electric co-ops across the country are working on a campaign called Our Energy, Our Future. The idea behind the grassroots campaign is to have people like you contact your elected officials in Washington D.C. They need to be aware of how decisions they make about our nation's energy policy are going to impact rural America, and they have to know that you want them to keep us in mind when they vote.

At Cullman EC and electric co-ops all over the country, our No. 1 priority is to provide our members with affordable and reliable electricity. Sometimes, we've got to stand up for ourselves and make some noise to make sure folks in D.C. are doing what's best for our members.

That's the whole idea behind the Our Energy, Our Future campaign. Co-ops are not opposed to renewable energy or reducing carbon emissions. What we are opposed to is poorly written laws that set unrealistic mandates and could cause the price of electricity to skyrocket.

The United States needs to make some changes in the way we produce and use electricity, but co-ops want to make sure the need for affordable electricity is not overlooked in the process.

To learn more about the campaign and contact your senator and congressman, visit the Our Energy, Our Future web site.