By Terri Jo Neff |
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has recognized Arizona State Rep. Gail Griffin with the organization’s 2021 Regional Award for Outstanding Service. The award recognizes outstanding service at the regional or state level to electric cooperatives.
Griffin (R-LD14) serves areas of Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Graham, and eastern Pima counties. She was nominated for the award by Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association (GCSECA) and Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC).
In nominating Griffin, SSVEC Chief Executive Officer Creden Huber touted the representative’s myriad efforts to assist Arizona’s Cooperatives, including her protection of the capital credits program, her willingness to work together to solve policy problems, and her understanding of cost and maintenance concerns involving pole attachments by cable and telecommunication companies.
Huber also noted Griffin’s appointment as chair of House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee gives her responsibility for ensuring legislation that may negatively impact Cooperatives is addressed in committee. Griffin previously chaired the Senate’s NREW Committee.
“For the past 20 years, your guidance, passion and dedication to the electric co-op family gained you a reputation as a great leader in the electric cooperative program,” NRECA CEO Jim Matheson wrote in the award notification. “Your strong commitment to the seven cooperative principles and work on advocacy, education and training had a profound effect throughout the State of Arizona.”
Griffin takes pride in being a strong proponent of Arizona’s electrical cooperatives throughout her time in the Legislature.
“They are consumer owned, not-for-profit entities that ensure their members are provided with reliable and affordable service,” she said upon receiving the award. “I will continue to champion electrical cooperatives for the vital role they play in strengthening rural Arizona.”
NRECA represents more than 900 consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives, public power districts, and public utility districts across America.
