ASSOCIATED ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC .
P WER
WITH PURPOSE MEMBER-LED • RELIABLE • AFFORDABLE
RELIABLE POWER FOR RURAL OKLAHOMA Bristow Energy Center Project Guide
TOP 5 TAKEAWAYS 1. Associated Electric Cooperative - the wholesale power provider for KAMO Power - is adding new natural gas generation to maintain a reliable power supply during a time of continued growth in electricity demand. KAMO Power transmits this electricity to nine Oklahoma-based distribution cooperatives, including East Central Electric Cooperative, which delivers electricity to members in Creek County. 2. Existing member demand is growing, particularly during the hottest and coldest periods of the year. Increased electrification, especially electric home heating, has led to multiple record or near-record winter and summer peaks. Data centers and other large-load projects are expected to be another part of future electricity growth, but they are not the primary reason Associated is building new generation. Responsible long-term planning requires Associated to account for the likelihood that some of these projects may locate within the cooperative system. 3. Associated is adding natural gas generation in phases to provide dependable, dispatchable capacity that can respond when member demand is highest. Two new natural gas simplecycle energy centers - Ripley Energy Center near Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Turney Energy Center near Turney, Missouri - are currently under construction, scheduled to come online in 2027 and will provide approximately 420 MW each when needed. 4. Resource planning analysis of ongoing load growth trends identified the need for additional capacity as early as 2029. Simple-cycle natural gas generation remains the most reliable, economical and viable capacity resource addition available. 5. To meet this need, Associated is building Bristow Energy Center. The permitting process is underway, with site studies focused on land, air and water protection. Pending final regulatory approvals, construction of the energy center will begin in 2027 and it will be commercially operational in 2029. During construction, 300-400 people will be employed for the project. Once in service, six to eight permanent employees will operate the facility.
Project timeline
2025–2026:
2026–2027:
2027–2029:
2029:
Permit application development and submittal
Regulatory review and approval
Construction and commissioning*
Unit online and operational* *Pending regulatory approval
POWERING DAILY LIFE IN RURAL OKLAHOMA
Supporting the rural way of life for homes, farms and businesses is a foundational commitment of electric co-ops. Associated’s mission to safeguard a reliable, low-cost wholesale power supply for its members requires vigilance to meet energy needs — today and well into the future.
OWNERSHIP
Associated works every day to generate a reliable, low-cost and responsible wholesale power supply for KAMO Power, headquartered in Vinita, Oklahoma. In turn, KAMO Power transmits electricity to nine Oklahoma-based distribution cooperatives, including East Central Electric Cooperative, which delivers power to members in Creek County and east central Oklahoma.
POWER FLOW
Associated Electric Cooperative — a member-owned, member-led, not-for-profit electric cooperative — proudly generates electricity for more than 2.1 million people across rural northeast Oklahoma, Missouri and southeast Iowa.
Member-consumers
Distribution cooperatives
Transmission cooperatives
Associated
Below: Patricia Crenshaw, an East Central Electric Cooperative member, carries on the legacy of her family farm near Slick, Oklahoma (USDA/Preston Keres).
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RELIABLE POWER UNDER PRESSURE A balanced generation portfolio of natural gas, coal, wind, hydropower and liquid fuel enables Associated to provide reliable power at the lowest cost possible for its members. As the cooperative looks to the future, this reliable, low-cost wholesale power supply is under increasing pressure. Several factors are shaping the need for additional generation: Member load growth Associated continues to see member energy demand increase across the system. In Oklahoma, energy needs to support the oil and gas industry, as well as new commercial and residential demand, are identifiable contributors. Record peak energy use During recent winter storms and summer heat waves, the Associated system set new records for peak energy use from 2021-2025. The current all-time peak record of 5,899 MW was set during winter storm Elliott on Dec. 23, 2022. Regional retirement of baseload generation The nation’s power supply continues to face pressure as electricity demand grows and generating resources change. Although Associated has no plans to retire any power plants and recent federal actions have delayed retirement of coal plants for other utilities nationwide, many are still scheduled to retire in the future. This could greatly threaten America’s energy capacity. In 2025, 2.6 GW of U.S. coal capacity retired. As of early 2026, another 6.4 GW of coal-fired capacity is scheduled for retirement, though those plans remain subject to change based on federal policy, market conditions and utility decisions. (Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration). Federal regulatory uncertainty Recent federal policy changes have eased some environmental regulations affecting electric generation, but uncertainty remains about the longterm regulatory environment. Continued changes can affect generation resources, investment decisions and operating costs, creating additional challenges for maintaining reliable power over the long term.
Top left: Associated’s combined-cycle, gas-based Chouteau Power Plant near Pryor, Oklahoma, generates 1,005 MW of power to reliably serve member energy needs. Bottom left: During winter storm Elliott, Associated’s system avoided rolling blackouts and kept the lights on while a new all-time peak energy use record was set Dec. 23, 2022. 2
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Protecting a reliable, low-cost and responsible power supply for Associated’s members is vital. Additional natural gas generation is required to maintain a reliable power supply for members - especially during peak energy demand. Associated is currently constructing two new natural gas-fired, simplecycle energy centers to ensure reliable power when needed most: Ripley Energy Center near Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Turney Energy Center near Turney, Missouri, which are scheduled to come online in 2027. Due to continued load growth and the need for additional capacity by 2029, Associated plans to break ground on Bristow Energy Center in 2027. These investments will: Generate safe and reliable power Natural gas generation facilities can start up and shut down very quickly to meet fluctuating energy demand safely and efficiently. Bristow Energy Center and similar facilities will operate as peaking units, providing energy when needed. Protect reliability at the lowest possible cost Natural gas offers a competitive fuel price thanks to Oklahoma’s plentiful natural gas supply, enabling Associated to use the lowest-cost generation option available. Natural gas generation facilities are less costly to build, operate, maintain and staff than other sources of reliable generation. Reduce carbon, prepare for developing technologies Natural gas is the cleanest of the fossil fuels (about 50% cleaner than coal), producing the least emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. In addition to natural gas, the combustion turbines will be capable of blending up to 30% hydrogen, a developing technology and zero-carbon resource. Contribute positively to surrounding communities Associated is committed to bettering its home communities and being a good steward of the land, air and water. These new gas generation projects meet all environmental regulations, while also enriching the area with new job opportunities during and after construction.
Top right: Shonna and Bill Richardson, Central Rural Electric Cooperative members, sell from-scratch baked goods, jams and jellies at Persimmon Hill Farm & Bakery in Stillwater, Oklahoma (Oklahoma Living/Lance Shaw).
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A POWERFUL SOLUTION: BRISTOW ENERGY CENTER The development of Bristow Energy Center will follow Associated’s construction of Ripley Energy Center, currently scheduled to come online early 2027 near Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Bristow Energy Center will have a net output of 420 MW and, when complete, be among the most advanced commercially operated combustion turbines in the state. The facility will operate as a natural gas peaking unit—not running continuously, but available to start quickly and generate power during periods of peak energy use. Strategic location The site, approximately 2 miles southeast of Bristow, Oklahoma, was procured by Associated for future generation consideration in 2009. The 160-acre tract is within close proximity to natural gas supply lines, cooperative high-voltage transmission lines and multiple nearby water systems.
South 289th West Ave.
Bristow Energy Center
West 241st St. South
Bristow, Oklahoma
LEGEND Turbine/Generator
Unit details • Efficient, powerful, simple-cycle combustion turbine technology. • Quick-start capability to meet peak energy needs, taking just 13 minutes to reach full capacity. • Net output of 420 MW to reliably serve member energy needs. • Selective catalytic reducers (SCRs) installed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. • Unit can burn fuel oil as a backup if natural gas is unavailable or a more expensive resource. • Energy center construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 with commercial operation targeted for late 2029.
Switchyard Site Boundary
Top left: 3D rendering of Bristow Energy Center, which will generate 420 MW of reliable power for members regionwide. Bottom left: Map of the Bristow Energy Center site in rural Creek County, Oklahoma.
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COMMITTED TO THE CREEK COUNTY COMMUNITY Balancing reliable power supply with affordability, clean air, land and water resources — while also being a good neighbor — is at the forefront of considerations for the development of Bristow Energy Center. Land use considerations Associated prioritized this site because it supports industrial development while offering natural buffers for neighbors. The tract is well-separated from nearby structures, and includes existing vegetation and topography that help reduce visual and noise impacts. Transportation and road conditions Traffic impacts are expected to be minimal during normal operations due to the small number of permanent staff. Associated has entered into a road agreement with Creek County to support safe equipment transport and address any roadway impacts during construction. Associated will cover the cost of any roadway or intersection improvements required as a result of the project. Air quality, noise and lighting The energy center will meet all air quality standards, using selective catalytic reducers to achieve industry-best reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions. Noise-reduction features are designed to keep sound levels at nearby homes comparable to a normal conversation. Exterior lighting will be shielded and directed downward to limit offsite visibility while maintaining safety and security. Facility water usage Water usage will vary based on operational conditions, with average annual use anticipated to be similar to a golf course or medium-large subdivision. Associated has entered into a water service agreement with the town of Slick to supply water to Bristow Energy Center through the Bristow-to-Slick water main. Water used by the facility will be managed responsibly, and any discharge will comply with permits issued by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. Economic impact Construction will create 300-400 on-site jobs, with six to eight permanent positions when operational. Local suppliers of materials, such as aggregate and concrete, will benefit from project development. The facility will rely on Oklahoma natural gas, supporting both the state and local economy. Top right: As Associated invests in new natural gas generation projects, creating economic opportunities and giving back to home communities is a foundational commitment of the cooperative. 5
www.aeci.org │ bristowenergycenter@aeci.org
As of 10.8.26