Political Action Committee for Rural Electrification

America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC is the political action committee (PAC) of the nation's electric cooperatives. Founded in 1966 by the approximately 1,000 cooperatives of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), it supports candidates for state and federal office - those in office now and running for office  who will speak for and protect the interests of electric cooperatives and their member-owners. Electric co-ops are facing many legislative issues that will affect the future operations of the cooperative and the rates paid by co-op members. One way you can help is by joining the America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC, which provides a convenient way for member-owners to participate in the political affairs of their co-op. The participation of member-owners helps ensure the voice of electric cooperatives remains strong and effective in the political arena. More than 35,000 members, employees and boards of directors across the country are helping their electric co-ops as PAC members. Member-owners can help by joining America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC to participate in a nationwide grassroots community with a strong collective voice working on behalf of electric cooperatives and their members. By joining, members will receive current information on legislative and political issues affecting local electric cooperatives and their members. Contributions are used to help educate elected representatives about issues affecting your co-op and you, and to explain how proposed legislation could harm or help rural electric members and their cooperatives. America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC is our best tool to get the attention of decision makers in Michigan and across the country, and to ensure the cooperative business model thrives. Just $25 a year makes you part of this voice for electric cooperatives. There are two easy ways to participate: you may fill out the form online, then print it out and send along with a check to: Thumb Electric Cooperative, 2231 Main Street, Ubly, MI 48475, or you may pay through your monthly electric bill ($2.08) by filling out the form online and clicking "Submit".

Click the button below to use our online sign up form

What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

The law allows individuals with common interests to pool their resources using PACs in order to make political contributions to candidates for state and federal office. Currently over 35,000 like-minded supporters of the cooperative program combine their contributions through America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC. 

Candidates who receive a substantial contribution from America’s Electric Cooperative’s PAC get an important message about your interest in your local community's electric cooperative.

Are Contributions Tax-Deductible?

No. The Internal Revenue Service has ruled all political contributions, such as those to America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC, are not tax deductible.

Where Does My Contribution Go?

With the exception of a small federal tax payment of less than 1%, all contributions to America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC go directly to the campaigns of candidates for political office. A portion of your contribution (about half) may be refunded to your state electric cooperative PAC to support candidates for state office. Contributions go to legislators who are favorable to co-op initiatives regardless of party affiliation.

Who Determines How These Contributions Are Made?

Factors that determine financial support include the candidate's position on issues critical to electric co-ops, as well as votes and public statements on these issues; the candidate's committee assignments and leadership positions and his or her relative importance to cooperatives; and a candidate's financial need and the strength of his or her opponent. The political affiliation is never taken into account.