The foundation of Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) was created with legislative policy. The Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was created by President Franklin Roosevelt by executive order in 1935 as part of the New Deal, allowing rural communities to build power lines in unserved areas using government loans. Through this opportunity, the founding members of UEC created your local electric cooperative in 1937.
Since inception, UEC has been confidently advocating for issues that positively impact the landscape of our local policies to the benefit of its members. At the helm of this vital mission today stands Alec Shebiel, UEC’s Government Relations Manager, who represents our membership and collaborates with other utility providers to influence policy decisions that resonate far beyond the cooperative’s headquarters.
Behind the scenes, Alec is the architect of UEC’s legislative activities, a driving force committed to creating powerful connections that safeguard the interests of the cooperative’s members. His work extends beyond the routine of policy analysis and strategy; he continues to build a network of influence that spans across local, state, and national levels.
Alec’s role is multifaceted. He regularly engages with lawmakers but also keeps a keen eye on the ever-evolving
landscape of energy regulation. His goal is to ensure that UEC’s members are not just consumers of power but
active participants in shaping the policies that govern their cooperative. Alec also actively supports UEC’s participation in rural economic development and job creation through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant (REDLG) Program.
Through this program, UEC has utilized funding resources to support community projects such as the Funland Park Rebuild in Hermiston and the Mac Hoke Bridge replacement between Echo and Pendleton. One of the distinctive aspects of Umatilla Electric’s approach is Alec’s collaboration with other cooperatives in the industry. Recognizing the strength that comes from unity, Alec actively builds bridges with cooperatives across the United States through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), creating alliances. At the state level, UEC also works with the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA), Oregon People’s Utilities District Association (OPUDA) and Oregon Municipal Electric Utilities Association (OMEU). Together, they amplify their collective voice, influencing policy decisions that not only benefit UEC’s members but contribute to the quality of life for cooperative members in Oregon and across the nation.
The cooperative spirit is alive and well in Umatilla Electric’s advocacy efforts. Members may not always see the intricate behind-the-scenes work, but they undoubtedly feel its impact. Stable rates, reliable service, and access to innovative technologies are the tangible outcomes of Alec’s dedication to creating powerful connections on behalf of Umatilla Electric.
Through UEC’s advocacy efforts, the following projects have come to fruition:
• Drafted and passed legislation to allow utilities to purchase sub-parcels of exclusive farm use land for substations, reducing liability exposure for landowners.
• Ensured new Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) projects were not on the backs of members through the Energy Supplier Assessment, but rather funded through general funds by adding specific language to several bills.
Sometimes, however, the value of the legislative work is aimed at stopping regulation that could have negative affects to UEC’s members.
For example:
- Umatilla Electric is a participant of Voices for Cooperative Power (VCP). VCP is a network of electric co-op members working together to influence elected officials who are making energy policy decisions that impact our co-ops and, by extension, our way of life. Recently, UEC joined in efforts through VCP to communicate to President Biden to abandon the Draft Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative Agreement, a document with efforts to breach the Lower Snake River Dams and risk the reliability of our electricity.
- Protected UEC against policies that could have increased rates.
- Advocated against legislation adding new regulations over cooperatives because we are governed by a democratically elected board of directors.
In an industry where the intricacies of legislative affairs can be daunting, Alec ensures that UEC remains at the forefront of cooperative advocacy. He navigates the complexities of policy discussions with finesse, translating
the cooperative’s values into language that resonates with lawmakers. As a result, UEC’s members reap the benefits of an advocate who is not only passionate but also strategically positioned to make a difference.
Alec Shebiel’s work on behalf of the membership stands as a testament to the cooperative principles that have defined rural electrification for decades. Through his efforts, UEC’s members are not just consumers; they are active participants in a movement that values community, collaboration, and the creation of powerful connections that endure for generations.