Generating Electricity Responsibly

An old saying states that people who live and work in rural America are the original environmentalists. After all, communities so connected to the land, air and water for their well-being are naturally tuned to safeguard them today and for future generations. When it comes to power generation for member-consumers, Associated Electric Cooperative reflects the values of the people who receive its electricity. 

Power generated the right way 

Balancing reliable and affordable electricity with environmental responsibility is a long-standing commitment that Associated Electric makes to those receiving its electricity. By adding significant amounts of wind power to diversify generating sources, investing in environmental controls and staying up to date with regulations and technologies, Associated continues to comply with environmental regulations at an affordable cost for members. This requires teamwork throughout the generation cooperative.

Significant investments make the difference

Our land, water and air quality are important to all of us, and we back up our words with our actions. Our power supplier, Associated Electric Cooperative, along with you and all other member-owners have invested more than $1 billion since 1994 to improve air quality and care for our land and water resources. We spend more than $45 million a year on environmental control measures to enhance the quality of our air.

A legacy of environmental excellence 

Associated Electric received the U.S. Department of Interior’s highest honor for its innovative, successful reclamation that improved water quality and transformed 1,000 acres that previously served as a coal mine into productive pasture, wetlands and forest. Today, the land features ponds that provide fishing and wildlife habitat, woodlands that provide shelter for many species, land leased to neighboring farmers for pasture, soil and crop research and planted habitat for Monarchs and other pollinators.

A legacy of environmental excellence 

Associated Electric received the U.S. Department of Interior’s highest honor for its innovative, successful reclamation that improved water quality and transformed 1,000 acres that previously served as a coal mine into productive pasture, wetlands and forest. Today, the land features ponds that provide fishing and wildlife habitat, woodlands that provide shelter for many species, land leased to neighboring farmers for pasture, soil and crop research and planted habitat for Monarchs and other pollinators.

The environmental modifications we’ve made to reduce emissions at our coal plants meet or exceed regulatory requirements. Associated was one of the first utilities to convert to 100 percent low-sulfur coal, reducing sulfur dioxide emissions 90 percent in 1994. We were one of the first to install selective catalytic reduction equipment to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions. Along with our investments in environmental controls, Associated has led the way with proactive research into lower-cost, effective technologies for protecting air, land and water quality.

But it’s not just about coal. Hydropower has been part of our power mix since the beginning. We have long-term wind energy purchase agreements in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. 

Wind power diversifies generation sources 

Associated was the first utility provider in Missouri of large-scale wind power and remains a leader. Already receiving power from seven wind farms, an eighth wind farm later this year means Associated will have 1,240 megawatts of wind power delivered from 626 wind turbines across three states. Locking in long-term, fixed-cost wind power helps Associated diversify its generation sources for years to come. 

However, since wind cannot be counted on to blow whenever you need power, we must rely on fuel-based power to supply your on-demand electricity. That is why we have added more natural gas to our portfolio of energy.       

By having a diverse set of resources, we can provide a balance of clean, affordable and reliable electricity to you, our member.

Electric cooperatives comply with net metering laws 

While large utility-sized solar installations have yet to make sense for Associated, about 30 megawatts of solar power is being produced by member-consumers connected to Associated’s member systems. Net metering laws mandate the process for local cooperatives to purchase any excess energy produced by the solar systems located at the homes and businesses of member-consumers. 

Whether the challenge is managing generation sources or making investments to ensure land, air and water are protected, Associated Electric takes its responsibilities seriously. Members wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Find out more about Associated Electric Cooperative's environmental stewardship.

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