Klobuchar Receives Rural Electric Co-op Distinguished Service Award

Sen. Amy Klobuchar receives the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) 2026 Distinguished Service Award from NRECA CEO Jim Matheson MINNESOTA – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) was awarded the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) 2026 Distinguished Service Award for championing electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. Klobuchar was nominated for the award by co-op leaders, including directors of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA). Klobuchar is the only Member of Congress to receive the award for the coming year. “Electric co-ops connect the farmers who feed our country, keep the lights on at our schools, hospitals, and small businesses, and power our communities,” said Klobuchar. “When I visit all 87 Minnesota counties each year, meetings with the local electric co-ops are always some of my favorite stops. As their partner in Washington, I’m focused on making sure co-ops have the support they need — especially now as global instability in energy markets increases, demand is up, and people across the country are facing higher electricity costs.” “Over your distinguished Senate career, you have consistently fought for policies of critical importance to America’s electric cooperatives,” NRECA CEO Jim Matheson wrote in a letter to Klobuchar. Matheson said the award is, “reserved for those who, over time, demonstrate repeated support for the 42 million Americans who belong to electric cooperatives.” “Senator Klobuchar has consistently demonstrated that she is a champion for the cooperative model, working to adopt balanced legislation that ensures the interests of rural members are upheld while enhancing the reliability of the electric grid,” Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) board chair Wesley Waller wrote in a letter to NRECA President Mike Partin. “Senator Klobuchar has been a national leader in ensuring cooperatives are eligible for and receive grants supporting their energy transition efforts. She knows cooperatives and engages in work to ensure they compete on a level playing field.” Klobuchar has long led efforts to support rural electric cooperatives and the communities they serve, as well as to support rural broadband and bridge the digital divide. Klobuchar has advocated for the release of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds to help families with home energy costs. Klobuchar’s Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act was incorporated into the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is delivering significant federal funding to Minnesota for expanding high-speed internet access statewide. As a member of the bipartisan, bicameral Universal Service Fund Working Group, Klobuchar is working to update USF programs, like the High-Cost Program, to ensure they continue to support rural co-ops. Klobuchar has championed programs such as the Rural Utilities Service Electric Infrastructure Financing for rural infrastructure improvements and ReConnect for rural broadband deployment. ###