Customer Newsletter, July 2010

US Senate Vote to Halt EPA Regulation of Greenhouse Gases Fails

On June 10th, the US Senate voted on a resolution introduced by Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, which would have blocked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating greenhouse gas emissions through the Clean Air Act. The resolution failed by a narrow margin, with a vote of 47-53.

This bill was co-authored by both Nebraska Senators Ben Nelson and Senator Mike Johanns. Both Senators spoke out in strong support of this bill. In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Nelson noted his support of the resolution to protect Nebraska’s economy from EPA overreach. He noted “Just because somebody’s frustrated with the pace of action in Congress doesn’t mean the EPA should become a super-legislative body”.

Following the Senate’s vote, Senator Johanns issued statements about his disappointment in the vote, saying: “The EPA's decision to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act represents a gross overreach by a federal agency that could wreak havoc on our struggling economy. The EPA's endangerment finding places additional burdens on small businesses, farmers, and families, with no meaningful environmental benefit."

Although the resolution did not pass, we commend the customers of Southern Power District for speaking up and sharing concerns about this issue with both Senators. We will do our best to keep you up-to-date on these issues, because they will have an impact on the future of the reliability and affordability of your electric rates.

Other stories you'll find inside this edition:
  • Generlink
    • New program to be offered to SPD customers. More>>>
  • EnergyWise Tip: Operate Your Appliances When Energy Demand Is Low
    • As an energy consumer, there are many things you can do to reduce energy usage, particularly during hot days in the summer months when demand for electricity is typically at its highest. More>>>
  • Message of Electrical Safety is Spreading!
    • The past few months have been very busy for Southern's Safety Director Darrel Schmidt and linemen from across the District, as they work to help share the importance of electrical safety. More>>>
  • Severe Weather Impacts SPD Customers in June
    • Severe weather impacted customers across Southern's service territory, with a storm that produced tornadoes, high winds and lightning on June 11th. More>>>
  • Summer 2010: A Busy Time for Projects at SPD
    • Crews all across the District are working hard this summer to keep the ball rolling on a number of construction projects. More>>>
  • Online Payment Option Available
    • You can pay your electric bill 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and from ANY location. More>>>
  • Keep Food Safe During a Power Outage
    • We've all been there: a summer storm rolls through, toppling trees and damaging power lines. Although it may be a matter of minutes before power is up and running, thawing food in the refrigerator and freezer can make that relatively short time seem like an eternity. More>>>