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CEC Power Supplier


Announces Solar Plan Community solar for co-op members could be a part of the mix


W


estern Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC) is moving forward with several projects that will bring solar into its generating mix. The plans call for the construction of several large utility-scale solar projects in Oklahoma, plus smaller projects in other areas that would permit members of Choctaw Electric and other co-ops to purchase solar power without the expense of purchasing and maintaining a home solar energy system.


Earlier this year, WFEC entered into a purchase power agreement with a solar power facility near San Jon, N.M. Commercial operation of the 25 to 30 MW project is expected to begin by late 2016, with WFEC purchasing all of the output from the facility.


WFEC also plans to build five utility-scale solar projects in Oklahoma with a projected completion date in 2016. WFEC will own, operate and maintain each facility, which will each generate between 3 and 5 MW at selected sites. Locations include areas near Cyril, Fort Cobb, Hinton and Elk City, plus a site near Altus Air Force Base in Altus.


Brian Hobbs, WFEC vice president of legal and corporate services, said WFEC aims to explore fully the pros and cons of long–term ownership of solar generating facilities versus purchasing power through a purchase power agreement. The five Oklahoma projects will allow WFEC to determine which option offers the lowest cost to members, and evaluate long-term maintenance issues and other associated costs and benefits, he said.


WFEC has been looking at solar for about 10 years, however, the feasibility just hasn’t been there, he added. Now, even though the capital costs to build solar projects is about twice the cost of building a natural gas-fired facility, it is offset by no long-term fuel costs.


Solar power is intermittent, much like other renewable sources such as wind, which doesn’t always blow, and hydro that can be reduced by drought. The sun does not always shine, however, so it too must be backed up by a traditional dispatchable electric generator using traditional coal or natural gas as the fuel source. Despite its irregular nature,


Hobbs pointed out solar power coordinates more effectively with peak power time periods than wind generation. For instance, during the hot summer months, peak demand occurs between 4 and 8 p.m. Typically, wind generation peaks in the overnight hours, while solar power generation peaks in the afternoon, typically between 2 and 3 p.m.


To further solidify WFEC’s solar investment, “community solar” projects are also planned for the service areas of interested cooperatives. Each venture will be .15 to .25 MW for a total of 3.55 MW. Built and maintained by WFEC, the projects will offer co-ops the opportunity to participate in solar power generated at their own facility and to offer their respective end-use consumer- owners the ability to directly subscribe to solar energy.


“We believe diversity of fuel and diversity of electric generation technology is vital to long-term, low-cost electric energy,” Hobbs said. “That’s why we maintain such a diverse portfolio,” Hobbs said, adding that diversity of generating fuels is crucial for long-term reliability and affordability. WFEC served a front runner in renewable energy generation when it became the first utility provider to sign a power purchase agreement with a wind farm developer in 2003.


NOTE: THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE WFECUPDATE


Choctaw Electric Cooperative will keep you posted on the potential community solar project in CEC service territory. Please keep your eyes on your monthly newsletter, Inside Your Co-op, for further updates.


Notice of Patronage Allocation


In accordance to Choctaw Electric Cooperative bylaws, 2014 notice of patronage allocation has been issued. The allocation factor is .0050503345. These notices are redeemable only at the discretion of CEC’s board of directors. If you have any questions concerning this allocation, please contact Choctaw Electric Cooperative at 800-780-6486.


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