Customer Newsletter, August 2008

Engage in Important Dialogue with Officials

Pressure is mounting in Congress to do something about climate change. And while political debates in Washington, D.C. may seem far away, the outcome will have a direct impact on Southern Power District, and on you--the customer.

Climate change is one aspect of a looming energy crisis created by increasing demand and decreasing capacity to meet that demand. Experts now say some areas of the country will be short of power within one or two years. Yet, energy supply isn't an issue our elected representatives are spending a lot of time on. These forces, the desire by government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions quickly and the growing demand for power by consumers, are about to collide.

Some people say we can meet demand through efficiency and renewable energy. The reality is that efficiency and renewable energy will not be enough. To avert an energy crisis, the federal government must exercise true leadership, the same leadership that got Americans to the moon in the 1960s. Without that leadership - without a sound, responsible plan - government risks not only the reliability of our electric system, but literally the ability of many Americans to be able to afford to pay their electric bill.

We must call on elected officials to provide this leadership. That's why we encourage you to contact your elected officials--now. You don't need to be an energy expert to ask questions. Asking questions helps find the answers to solve the problem of balancing climate change goals while keeping your lights on and your electric bills affordable. Congress and state elected officials are hearing from special interest groups who have ideas about how to address climate change. But no one is talking to consumers. We need a plan people can live with today while we deal with the climate change problem of tomorrow.

To make things easy, there is a website that will send an email for you. Go to www.ourenergy.coop and plug in your address. There you'll be able to ask a series of questions to our representatives in Washington. We encourage you to ask a critical question: What are they doing to make sure we'll have the power we need in the future? Far too often questions don't get asked by policy makers until plans go wrong. We believe it makes sense to know the answers before the laws are passed. You can help your elected officials and yourself by having this conversation. The electric bill you save will be your own.

Other the stories you'll find inside this edition:

• How to Clean Up a Broken CFL
Many of our customers have asked questions about the mercury inside CFLs, and specifically, what safety measures should be taken when they are broken. More>>>

• Energy Wise Tip: Heat and Cool Your Home Efficiently
Today's energy costs are rising, and there is something you can do about it. More>>>
• What if Your Car or Equipment Comes in Contact with a Power Line?
If your car or farming equipment comes in contact with a power line, a state of panic may set in. More>>>
• Recipe Box: Chicken & Spinach Manicotti
Recipe>>>