Union Power Cooperative

03/30/2009 Union Power Cooperative Launches Program to Connect Consumers with Congress and Encourage Balanced Energy LegislationUnion Power Cooperative today launched a program aimed at helping to craft an affordable national energy policy. The Find a Balanced Solution campaign explains current national energy policy issues and provides consumers with ways to get in touch with their elected officials to keep their electric rates affordable. The Find a Balanced Solution campaign, which is the joint effort of several states' electric cooperatives in the Southeast, includes a toll-free phone number and website that can connect consumers with their Congressional representatives. The phone number is 1-877-40-BALANCE or 1-877-40-225-2623, and the website is www.findabalancedsolution.com.The Find a Balanced Solution Website hosts information about factors that are influencing electricity costs, legislative issues and renewable energy. "We encourage electric cooperative members and all electricity consumers to spend time on the Website to learn about the ways Congress can balance environmental needs with family budgets," said Tony Herrin, executive vice president and general manager. Herrin continued, "When consumers feel like they understand the issues, we urge them to call their elected officials by using the toll-free telephone number or to contact their Representatives by sending an e-mail, which they can do through the website." This year, Congress will likely vote on legislation that raises energy costs to accomplish environmental goals. Several pieces of legislation already have been introduced. Some could raise electric rates by 40 percent.Union Power Cooperative believes that cooperative members and electricity consumers can help influence the debate on energy policies because elected officials work for their constituents. Congress must find a solution that balances environmental needs while assuring reliable and affordable electric service. Get involved today at www.findabalancedsolution.com or by calling 1-877-40-BALANCE.Union Power Cooperative is a member-owned electric cooperative, which provides electric service to nearly 65,000 members in Union, Stanly, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Rowan counties.