CLM June 5-16.qxp_Layout 1 5/16/16 3:01 PM Page 2
Cooperative Connection
PAT O’LOUGHLIN, PRESIDENT & CEO • OHIO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES & BUCKEYE POWER
LATER THIS YEAR, you’ll see Ohio’s electric cooperatives’ latest power generation project spring up, along with the OurSolar logo. We plan to install community solar projects in several locations around the state. Ohio’s electric cooperatives have long supported an “all of the above” approach to power generation. We rely on traditional fossil fuel sources, such as coal and natural gas, for most of your power supply. Our generation mix also includes a diverse and growing set of renewable energy sources. Today, your cooperative receives power generated by hydroelectric facilities at Niagara Falls; wind turbines in Iowa; agricultural biodigesters; and Ohio landfills that collect methane. This year, we’ll begin to add solar-generated power to our mix. We’ll install U.S.-manufactured solar photovoltaic panels at several cooperative locations. The OurSolar project offers solar power generation on a community basis, rather than on individual member rooftops. The community solar project approach not only reduces the cost of the project through economy of scale, but also avoids the headaches of home maintenance that rooftop solar systems can bring. In total, we plan to add approximately 1 percent to our generation capacity through the OurSolar initiative. While the power generated by the
2
COUNTRY LIVING
•
JUNE 2016
project will cost more than our traditional sources, overall cost should remain relatively fixed over the expected 20-year life of the system, because it’s fueled by sunshine. As those who live in Ohio are uniquely aware, during much of the year, solar power’s potential is somewhat limited by shorter daylight hours and cloudy skies. Over the years, however, we’ve learned that solar power provides an energy source that better matches your usage pattern, as opposed to power generated by wind. Conversely, our wind turbines consistently produce twice as much power at night as during the day, while you use twice as much power during the day than you do at night. It’s a difficult problem to overcome. Your electric cooperative will continue to work for you, providing a reliable, affordable, clean, and safe supply of electricity, both day and night.