Matheson encourages state utility regulators to talk with co-ops about broadband for underserved communities

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson encouraged state regulators to talk with electric co-op leaders about providing rural broadband access to underserved communities during a Feb. 12 panel discussion at the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioner’s Winter Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.

“Co-ops can give insight at the state level in terms of current laws and regulations, and how they either assist or impede,” Matheson said.

More than 100 electric co-ops are currently deploying retail broadband to rural communities, and many others are studying the feasibility of doing so, according to the NRECA.

Matheson highlighted innovative approaches used by co-ops to provide access to community solar projects, build electric vehicle charging networks, and accomplish other goals, noting that they “serve a lot of underserved people. We need innovation to do it. We need flexibility to do it right.”

Matheson also emphasized the importance of broadband internet access to economic development in rural areas.

“If you don’t have broadband, you aren’t going to get economic development,” he said. “It’s that fundamental.”