APPA is the service organization for the nation's more than 2,000 community-owned electric utilities that serve more than 45 million Americans.
It was created in 1940 as a non-profit, non-partisan organization and is governed by a regionally representative board of directors. Its purpose is to advance the public policy interests of its members and their consumers, and provide member services to ensure adequate, reliable electricity at a reasonable price with the proper protection of the environment.
“Next year will be marked by stewardship of a pragmatist who is one of the preeminent leaders of the public power industry,” said Mark Crisson, APPA president and CEO. “Lonnie leads one of the largest public power utilities in the nation, and he understands the fundamental needs of people who struggle to pay for electricity.”
Carter plans to use his time as 2010-2011 chairman to raise awareness and educate members on the cost uncertainties of potential regulatory changes in the electric industry.
“We are in an era of unprecedented change and challenge,” said Carter. “A wave of relentless regulatory and legislative changes at every level – generation, transmission and distribution – is bringing this uncertainty and with it, higher costs to customers.”
Carter has 28 years experience in the electric utility industry, and has been president and CEO of Santee Cooper since 2004. In 1997, on loan from Santee Cooper, he was instrumental in founding The Energy Authority (TEA) and served as its first president and CEO. Based in Jacksonville, TEA is a joint power marketing organization comprised of publicly owned utilities.
Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, and the state’s largest power producer. The ultimate source of electricity for 2 million South Carolinians, Santee Cooper is dedicated to being the state’s leading resource for improving the quality of life for the people of South Carolina. For more information, visit www.santeecooper.com.
