Power in the Hands of Consumers - National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC)

Power in the Hands of Consumers

Cars that you plug in. Cars that receive their updates not at a car garage, but through an over-the-air update. Cars that are sold through direct sales, not on car lots.

All of this is the reality for Tesla, an American automaker, energy storage company and solar panel manufacturer.

Tesla is also a disrupter of the automotive industry.

Tesla CTO JB Straubel spoke today at the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) IBES 2017 conference, held Nov. 12-15 in San Francisco, California. Following the presentation, NISC President and CEO Vern Dosch joined Straubel onstage for a Q&A session.

Straubel shared his thoughts on the growing demand for affordable electric cars, and Tesla’s mission to develop strong relationships with electric utilities across the country who have a proven track record of providing great service to their customers.

As consumers have gained considerable power when it comes to making purchasing decisions, the demand has grown for smart, reliable energy choices. Gone are the days of few options as consumers now have the ability to easily research and learn where their power is sourced from and the choices they have when it comes to investing in companies.

As a technology cooperative, NISC strives to stay ahead of these industry changes, and ensure its Members have the resources they need to meet their customers’ expectations. From solar panels to Nest thermostats – consumers are eager for the latest and greatest in energy usage, and NISC is proud to be a champion of that desire.

Dosch discussed the evolution of the engaged consumer: those who are doing their research and seeking out new opportunities and options when it comes to power and electric usage. He explained how cooperatives are not driven to simply sell power, but to hone in on what consumers are asking for and ensure we are doing all we can to meet their needs for reliable and affordable energy.