(WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association called on congressional leaders Monday to consider remedies for
electric cooperatives in the next coronavirus relief package. NRECA CEO Jim
Matheson in a letter laid out several challenges facing electric co-ops amid
the coronavirus pandemic, including service disconnection moratoria, USDA Rural
Utilities Service financing, rural broadband access and delays in FEMA funding.
“As a result of nonpayments and load falloff resulting from economic hardship,
some not-for-profit electric cooperatives are facing significant operational
shortfalls. Without federal assistance, co-ops may face severe financial
distress”
