CARES is a diverse advocacy group made up of key stakeholders in the electric industry including electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, suppliers, manufacturers, and other advocacy organizations. Together we leverage our collective voice to raise awareness of issues that threaten the reliability of our electric grid. Through strategic engagement with policymakers at all levels, we hope to ensure that every American is provided with that essential, reliable, and affordable electric service.

CARES formally organized and launched its first issue campaign in May 2022 as supply chain constraints began to challenge a group of electric cooperative leaders in Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. The founding members of CARES face skyrocketing supply costs and extremely long lead times to procure basic utility supplies to keep the lights on. Facing increasingly severe storm seasons, they decided to form CARES to raise awareness about supply chain issues among elected officials, policymakers, and members. Through research and intra-industry networking, CARES members learned they were not alone in their concerns. Other cooperatives, municipal utilities, and suppliers joined in the conversation to seek solutions to the crisis.

CARES is a collaborative group where like-minded advocates can work together to affect change. There is no cost to join. By leveraging our collective strategic relationships and messaging strategies, we can raise awareness of the potential crisis facing the electric utility industry.