While regulatory and industry initiatives have improved winter readiness, many regions of the country are once again at elevated risk of electricity supply shortfalls in the event of extreme weather, the North American Reliability Corporation (NERC) states in its 2024-25 Winter Reliability Assessment released Nov. 14.
During his second trip to North Dakota in two months, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden announced a $200,000 grant award to the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) rural development center. The funding, provided through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program, will be used by the center to provide technical assistance to cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural North Dakota.
Thousands of acres and North Dakota producers have been affected by October’s wildfires.
“It’s hard to imagine what producers are going through right now,” says N.D. Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) President Randy Schmitt, a cow-calf producer from Rugby.
And in the absence of substantial moisture, many fear the threat of additional fires, he says.
As first responders across the state stand ready to respond to wildfire emergencies, others are sharing resources and offering aid.
The latest move in a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) plan to change the way it processes and delivers mail is taking aim at the frequency of pickups and deliveries for rural customers, a change that could hurt the ability of electric cooperatives to communicate with their members.
The proposed changes would intensify pressure on co-ops, which have already faced sharp postage rate increases in recent years that have raised costs to send their magazines, electric bills and other mail to members.
More than 1,200 electric cooperative leaders gathered April 21-24 in Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to oppose the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) power plant rule and support full funding of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs that benefit rural America.
In May 2023, EPA proposed initial draft rules to limit carbon dioxide emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants. Electric cooperatives oppose the rule, which they say is a threat to electric reliability and affordability.
N.D. homeowners have until March 31 to apply for a new property tax credit up to $500.
The Primary Residence Credit (PRC) was established last year through the legislative process. Homeowners must apply online for the state property tax credit through the office of the state tax commissioner. Approved applicants will receive the credit as a reduction on their 2024 tax statement, which will be mailed in December.
North Dakotans will soon cast votes in the 2024 election cycle. While most legislative districts are the same, a recent court decision will change boundaries for Districts 9 and 15, which may impact voters there.
N.D. Secretary of State Michael Howe reminds interested individuals of important requirements candidates must meet for their names to appear on 2024 ballots. The filing deadline for all candidates is 4 p.m. CT April 8.
If you own a home in North Dakota and use it as your primary residence, you likely qualify for a new $500 property tax credit.
The Primary Residence Credit (PRC) was established last year through the legislative process. Homeowners must apply online for the state property tax credit through the office of the state tax commissioner. Approved applicants will receive the credit as a reduction on their 2024 tax statement, which will be mailed in December 2024.
