Currently pending before the U.S. Senate is climate change legislation (S. 2191).

We have serious concerns about this legislation for the following reasons: the reduction requirements are simply too steep, federal monetary support for research and development is not currently available, there is no economic safety valve to help ensure a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy. Costs could dramatically increase.

Please click on the link below this paragraph to view, read, print, if you agree - fill in your information and mail the form letters to your senators. You will need Adobe Acrobat (Reader) to view and print these form letters.

Click here - link to (S. 2191)

The image to the right shows the newest, largest, and most expensive vehicle in the Guernsey Muskingum Electric fleet. It is a 2008 International 7300 with a Telect 4045 digger derrick. It has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 33,000 pounds and its boom can extend 45 feet.

The new truck has a 260 horsepower diesel engine that produces 800 foot pounds of torque.

What does a truck like this cost? About $175,000. It replaces a similar sized 1997 model and should have a life in our fleet of 10 to 12 years.

Also in the image above is Journeyman Lineman Bill Latchic, the primary operator responsible for the truck.

On Saturday, April 5, 2008 over 2,200 members and friends attended the 71st annual meeting at the Larry W. Miller Intermediate School in New Concord. John Enos, chairman of the Board of Directors, called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

In the photo to the right, Shirley Stutz presents Darrel "Cubby" Cubbison with a clock in appreciation of his service to the Cooperative. Cubby retired in January after 30 years with Guernsey Muskingum Electric.

Duane Parks of New Concord was re-elected to represent District 2, Shirley Stutz of Lore City was re-elected to represent District 6 and Ed Bay of Cumberland was re-elected to represent District 7 for three-year terms on the Cooperative's Board of Directors. Continuing their terms are Brian Hill of Zanesville, Jim Rex of Blue Rock, John Enos of Cambridge, and Robert R. Clarke of Uhrichsville.

John Enos reported on cooperative achievements during 2007. Robert Clarke, secretary-treasurer, reported on the cooperative's financial status. Duane Parks reported on the cooperative's youth programs. He introduced the winners of the annual Washington Youth Tour and scholarship programs. Dave Berger, vice president of Administration and Operations for Buckeye Power Inc., spoke on Buckeye Power's energy supply, the Cardinal Power Plant and concerns over proposed climate change legislation S. 2191.

In his report to the members, Garry Mbiad, general manager/CEO, discussed rates, happenings in the year 2007 and plans for 2008. Entertainment was provided by The Chestnut Hill Bluegrass Band and Y-City Stars, Tiffany Beck and Tori Green. The children were entertained during the business meeting by magician Stephen Knight. The Board of Directors held a reorganization meeting immediately following the annual meeting. Officers elected for the coming year were: Duane Parks, chairman; Robert Clarke, vice chairman; and Jim Rex, secretary-treasurer.

Annual meeting pictures