CEO’s Message — November 2020

Looking Out for Our Members

Headshot of Clay FitchOutside my window, a poplar tree and a plum tree seem locked in a battle over which can produce the most intense color. The fire-orange poplar leaves are a sharp contrast to the almost black purple of the plum leaves, but both clearly show that we are making the transition from summer through fall to winter. All too soon, the colors will drift to the ground, and the work of fall cleanup will begin.

On the political front, the bright colors of the campaigns are quickly fading into the hard work of governing, and our sacred right to vote is transforming into the necessity of holding a representative government accountable.

I hope you voted no on Question 6, and it failed to become part of the Nevada Constitution. The outcome is not yet known as I write this column in October. As detailed in last month’s article, there were many good reasons to vote no.

Whether your electric cooperative will be subject to the provisions of an amendment to the Nevada Constitution or the law enacted through Nevada Senate Bill 358, your board and employees will still work hard to ensure your access to safe, reliable, affordable, and carbon-free electricity. There will be times, however, when we need your help.

I can only speculate on what legislation or regulation will emerge when the political dust settles, but bad ideas are like weeds—they just keep coming back.

The pressure to breach the Lower Snake River dams might intensify. There may be requirements to let more water spill over the dams rather than use it to generate electricity.

There are rumors of new taxes to plug holes in state and federal budgets. Given another year of catastrophic wildfire losses, we might see proposals for Red Flag Rules, which would require utilities to shut power off under certain weather and fire conditions.

We constantly have our ear to the ground for rumblings that indicate trouble is approaching. We will do our best to keep you informed about growing issues so if the need arises, you will be ready and able to demonstrate that Wells Rural Electric Co. is a grassroots organization that exists only to serve its members.

As communication preferences change, WREC is exploring the best ways to share information with you and activate a grassroots response. Information will most likely come from future editions of Ruralite magazine, our website, or through social media.

Calls to action will probably come through social media, emails, texts, or phone calls.

If ever you question whether a message you received is really from your rural electric cooperative, please contact your local office by calling one of our published telephone numbers.

Clay R. Fitch
Chief Executive Officer