NRECA: Keeping America’s Power Grid Healthy is a Cornerstone of National Security

Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, provides new updates on winter storm impacts and the outlook for rural power reliability.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (RFD NEWS) — This week’s winter storm caused electricity disruptions for many rural communities across the country. At the same time, a new assessment projects how extreme temperatures and rising electricity demand could affect the nation’s power grid in the years ahead.

Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on how rural communities were affected by the recent extreme weather and how electric cooperatives have been responding to outages and system challenges.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Matheson also discussed the findings of NRECA’s new long-term reliability assessment, outlining key highlights from the report and what they signal for the power grid’s future. The conversation focused on what these projections mean for rural communities and their access to reliable electricity, as well as the steps that may be needed moving forward to address reliability concerns.

Related Stories
Geoff Cooper says the EPA action could provide more options for refiners and blenders.
Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy Jointly Unveil New Investments to Bring More Nutrient-Dense, Local Food into Schools and Give Cafeterias the Tools to Serve Healthier Meals
Sen. John Hoeven says the committee expects to have the votes needed to move the legislation forward.
Nearly one in four consumers say fluctuating gas prices are causing them to spend less on groceries.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The latest episode of Dirt Diaries, featuring Jessica Shae Craven, drops Tuesday on all podcast platforms.
Huma’s Fred Nichols explains what humates are, where they come from, and how farmers can incorporate them into their soil health programs.
Additional 50 percent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods are now in effect as Canada vows retaliation and ag groups urge trade negotiations to continue.
Changes in rail rates and expanded crush capacity could reshape soybean basis and marketing opportunities across producing regions.
With the Aug. 31 deadline approaching, Farm CPA Paul Neiffer encouraged farmers not to wait until the final days to address any questions or discrepancies with their records.
U.S. cattle on feed totaled 11.1 million head on August 1, up 2 percent from 2025, while July placements fell 11 percent to a record low.