By CEO John R. Smith

Climate change is but one aspect of a looming 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 of two years.

These forces - the desire by government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions quickly and the growing demand for power by consumers - are about to collide.

Pella Cooperative Electric reminds you to be safe all year round.

If you're in a vehicle that comes into contact with a downed power line, assume that it is energized and remain inside until cooperative crews can de-energize the line.  If there is imminent risk of fire, jump away from the vehicle without touching both the vehicle and ground at the same time.