We commend Warren Rural Electric Cooperative on its recent decision to continue its association with the Tennessee Valley Authority, rather than end it in 2008, as has been in the works for several years.

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It took courage for the WRECC board to rescind its momentous decision of 2003 and ask TVA for reinstatement. They did, however, because WRECC's leadership now believes staying with TVA is in the best interests of its customers, who are also their cooperative owners.

Although considerable costs were involved in the aborted experiment of obtaining raw power from East Kentucky Power Cooperative, they may very well have been worth it for the improvements which have been made.

We believe that there are many winners in WRECC's recent decision:

They include:

1) The customers of WRECC

WRECC saved its customers costs that have been continuing to escalate in East Kentucky Power's attempt to bring electricity across the state. Right-of-way costs and hurdles along with other regulations have hampered those efforts.

2) The people of Auburn and the rest of the area in Logan County which WRECC serves

By returning to TVA, those folks will receive the same help in recruiting businesses and industries and in strategic planning which TVA affords to the rest of Logan County, which is served by Pennyrile Rural Electric Co-op and Russellville Electric Plant Board.

3) LEAD, IDA and the Logan County Chamber of Commerce

By taking a firm but polite stance in asking WRECC to stay with TVA, these local entities may have played a role in the board's decision. At the very least, it was a positive step for these groups to stand up and tell the world how they feel on issues of this magnitude.

Too often leaders are afraid if they take a side, they'll offend some of their members and sources of income for the organization. But for these groups to have the utmost influence, it becomes necessary at times to go out on a limb.

4) TVA itself.

First, TVA is holding on to one of its biggest customers. Greater Bowling Green is not Nashville, Knoxville or Birmingham, but it is becoming an increasingly big player in the industrial picture.

Second, WRECC's original move forced TVA to take a look at itself to see why WRECC and others felt it necessary and advantageous to leave the comfort zone of TVA.

As a result, TVA redefined itself, including enlarging the board, hiring a general manager, and being willing to talk with and listen to its customers.

We doubt if the old TVA would have taken the dissidents back without making them pay a penalty. This is progress.

5) East Kentucky Power itself

Although the cooperative which was to see great growth from this ambitious project may be somewhat embarrassed about WRECC's backing out, there has to be a great sense of relief there. The cost of the project may have been a back-breaker for this proud cooperative.

In the long run, East Kentucky will be better off to stay in the area which its name implies.

6) WRECC Board Member Ken Robbins

Mr. Robbins has represented the Auburn area on the board for 34 years. His leadership has been consistently consumer-oriented and worthy of praise. He undoubtedly played a big role in this decision, too.