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  1. Balanced generation
  2. Protecting our natural resources

Protecting our natural resources

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.

 

Listen to our podcast to learn more.

Power For Your Life · Balanced Generation Responsible

 

Related articles

Reliable electricity

Associated’s balanced generation mix — featuring different fuels and ways to generate electricity — ensures lights come on when you flip that switch. Coal, natural gas, wind and hydro-power generation means flexibility to meet members’ needs. This mix lets Associated focus on reliability, along with providing electricity that is affordable.

Power when you need it.

Affordable electricity

How do we generate power to serve members across three states affordably? In a word: balance. A commitment to reliable, responsible and affordable power requires options for generating electricity. Associated continues its time-tested strategy of maintaining a diverse and flexible portfolio of generation resources that includes coal, natural gas, wind and hydropower.

Power at a fair price.

Responsible 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.

Power the right way.
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Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 754
Springfield, MO 65801-0754

Tel. 417-881-1204
Email. membersfirst@aeci.org

About Us

Even though your electric cooperative is locally owned and committed to your local community, we are part of something bigger too. We are a network of 51 distribution cooperatives in Missouri, southern Iowa and northeastern Oklahoma, serving 935,000 member homes, farms and businesses. We receive power generation through six regional Generation and Transmission (G&T) cooperatives and one collective G&T, Associated Electric Cooperative.

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  • It's all you
    • Activities for kids
    • Reliable electricity
    • For the good of all
    • Ownership
    • Cooperative principles
    • New members
    • Proud to sponsor kids' activities
    • Co-op month
  • Your money
    • Solar energy information
    • Penny power
    • Capital credits
    • Beneficial electrification
    • Save energy, save money
    • Solar 101
    • Member contests
  • Your safety
    • Indoor electrical safety
    • Outdoor electrical safety
    • Safety for kids
    • Outage safety
    • Power line hazards and cars
  • Your community
    • Local control
    • Personal service
    • Your community
    • Thank a lineworker
  • Balanced generation
    • Epic Failure a Cautionary Tale
    • Diverse energy mix
    • Reliable power
    • Balanced generation summary
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • About us