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
Stable blending demand continues to underpin corn use despite export volatility.
USDA headquarters downsizing reflects cost pressures and may reshape agency operations.
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital officially becomes Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, marking a new era of compassionate, world-class pediatric care in Tennessee.
Delays on year-round E15 keep potential corn demand and fuel savings in limbo.
Higher energy costs ripple through local farm supply chains.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses lingering winter illnesses, shares strategies to boost immunity, and advises rural communities on when to seek medical care on Rural Health Matters.

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:

Wed, 3/18/26 – 7:30 PM ET – Build better financial habits with tips from AARP
Corn demand is rising thanks to ethanol expansion, yet year-round E15 remains missing from the Farm Bill—leaving farmers questioning the policy gap.
Real Ag’s Shaun Haney explains how farmers are approaching risk management and the steps they’re taking to strengthen profitability through better financial planning.
Valley Irrigation’s Darren Siekman explains the advantages of their new pivots for growers managing acreages of up to 60 acres.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses spring allergies and respiratory illnesses on this week’s Rural Health Matters, offering advice on managing symptoms and knowing when to seek professional help.
ASFMRA’s George Baird shares insight on spring planting progress, acreage trends, and the financial factors influencing Mid-South farmers this season.