McDonough Power Cooperative President and CEO Mike Smith, Director Mike Cox, and Energy Services Manager Kelly Hamm recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) annual Legislative Conference.

The conference brought together thousands of electric cooperative leaders from across the nation to meet with lawmakers and congressional staff on Capitol Hill, advocating for the issues that matter most to electric cooperatives and the rural communities they serve.

During their visit, McDonough Power representatives met with Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Representative Mary Miller, and Nadia Cortez, Legislative Assistant to U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen. These meetings provided an important opportunity to discuss key legislative priorities impacting electric cooperatives, including FEMA reform, Rural Utilities Service (RUS) funding, permitting reform, and other policies that support reliable, affordable energy and strengthen rural communities.

At the heart of every conversation was McDonough Power’s ongoing commitment to its members — ensuring dependable service, advocating for rural America, and keeping the lights on.

By participating in the Legislative Conference, McDonough Power continues to make its members’ voices heard at the national level while working to protect the future of electric cooperatives and the communities they power.