Electric co-ops don’t always get the attention of the utility giants, but they quietly keep the lights on for about 42 million Americans. And, as Bethany and Teresa discover, they may also deliver lower bills, fewer outages, better communication, and an occasional credit on your electric bill. Imagine that!

This week, we dig into why electric co-ops were created, how rural communities took electrification into their own hands, and why the cooperative model still matters nearly a century later. We also tackle the misconception that co-ops are somehow behind the times. Spoiler alert: Many are innovative, responsive, and exceptionally well positioned to test the technologies shaping the grid’s future.

Data from NRECA.

Bethany and Teresa throw out the script this week to just chat about what's on their minds, energy gal to energy gal. Conversations about the latest FERC actions, why so many people have gas generators where Teresa lives, an update on her beef with the neighborhood Corgi, data forecasting, and more, all off script.

Which, to be fair, is usually what happens around minute three anyway. Also, as excited as she was, Bethany was not correct. Ohio did lead the way in setting up guardrails around data centers and energy use. Better luck next time!

What can a people-led solar revolution in Pakistan teach the rest of the world? A lot. Teresa and Bethany sit down with Zeshan Khalid of the Watt's Next podcast to discuss how a climate-changed fueled fatal flood spurred a solar revolution that has completely changed the face of energy in Pakistan.

Renewables First guide to breaking down the CTBCM