Electric reliability under attack by government rules
Article provided by Associated Electric Cooperative
During recent winter storms and summer heatwaves, many electric cooperatives set records for seasonal electricity demand. Through the extreme conditions, Associated Electric Cooperative, the power generator for Central Rural Electric Cooperative, and its six transmission cooperative member-owners kept the power flowing reliably using a balanced portfolio of generation sources, including coal and natural gas power plants, hydropower, wind and a resilient transmission system.
While other utility companies resorted to rolling blackouts during the harsh weather, power kept flowing from Associated Electric, thanks to the 24/7 coal power plants and natural gas generation designed to work when they are most needed, regardless of weather conditions.
The future is cloudy
But the potential for a less reliable electric system looms. Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new rule targeting existing coal-fired and new gas-fired power plants with the goal of shutting down all fossil fuel power plants. This controversial rule will have devastating effects on the reliability of the electric grid by speeding up the retirements of coal and natural gas plants, which produce 60 percent of the energy in the U.S.
Reliability is not a concern of the EPA. The result for electric cooperatives is less reliable and more expensive electricity for their members. For those reasons, the EPA has been challenged in multiple lawsuits by a coalition of utilities in 27 states.
Fossil fuel generation delivers unmatched reliability
Associated’s diverse mix of generation resources keeps reliability and affordability as the top priorities for the electricity generated and delivered to members. As pressure from the EPA causes more reliable fossil fuel plants to shut down prematurely, what energy source will fill the gap? Coal and natural gas plants are the backbone of reliable and affordable power for Missouri’s electric cooperatives because they are available when needed 24/7. Renewable sources, such as wind and solar, cannot provide power with that same reliability.
When coal plants and natural gas generators are replaced by weather-dependent, intermittent sources like solar and wind, reliability will suffer while prices increase.
Until there is a proven alternative with equal reliability, fossil fuel generation is a key part of keeping the lights on.
Cooperatives invest in a cleaner environment
Those who rely on the land, air and water for their livelihoods are deeply invested in taking care of the environment they depend upon. For electric cooperatives, safeguarding rural communities is a foundational value demonstrated through a history of proactive stewardship and compliance with state and federal regulations.
“Given that clean air, water and land resources mean so much to the electric cooperative members we serve, our commitment to the environment is not just talk, but put into action.”
– Buster Geisendorfer, Associated Electric Cooperative board president
“Given that clean air, water and land resources mean so much to the electric cooperative members we serve, our commitment to the environment is not just talk, but put into action,” says Buster Geisendorfer, Associated board president. “Cooperative member-ownership and leadership of our cooperative ensures our values reflect those who use our electricity.” Since 1993, Associated and its member-owners have spent more than $1.1 billion to reduce air emissions by 90% at its coal power plants. The improvements, which included a milestone conversion to cleaner low-sulfur coal, were the leading edge of Associated’s proactive environmental work.
Protecting water and air resources
Since 2015, Associated and its members have invested more than $202 million to meet coal and water mandates issued by the EPA, funding coal ash and water quality projects, including pond closures, water systems and groundwater quality monitoring. Part of that total includes $69 million in recent projects for both New Madrid Power Plant and Thomas Hill Energy Center to remain compliant.
Make your opinion known today
Meeting reliability and environmental responsibilities is an ongoing commitment made more challenging and costly by recent EPA rules. Today more than ever, reliable and affordable power is at risk.
You can help. Send a letter to your members of Congress telling them to support reliable power by halting the EPA’s unrealistic, unnecessary and expensive rules.