TWIN VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE TO INVEST IN SOLAR PROJECT

Twin Valley Electric has broken ground on a 10-acre solar farm totaling 1 megawatt (MW). The solar farm will benefit the cooperative’s members in rural Labette, Neosho, Montgomery, and Cherokee counties. Through a partnership with 11 other rural electric cooperatives in Kansas, the group will add over 20 megawatts of solar energy to a power source portfolio that powers 80,000 rural Kansas homes and businesses.

Today’s Power Inc. (TPI), a North Little Rock-based company created by rural electric cooperatives in Arkansas, will develop and own the Twin Valley solar array, and the other arrays in Kansas. Over the past five years in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, Today’s Power Inc. has successfully installed more than 30 solar projects totaling more than 40 Megawatts. A solar power service agreement (SPSA) with Today’s Power Inc. has been signed by Twin Valley to purchase the solar energy generated by the array for the next 25 years. This type of agreement ensures that the cooperative is not at risk or liable for the ongoing costs associated with the solar system’s maintenance and operation.

“TPI is delighted to work with Twin Valley Electric Cooperative and all the cooperatives in our program. Twin Valley Electric will generate renewable energy with this sun farm, which helps all its members realize rate stability by the reduction of the cooperative’s peak demand. When one project can benefit so many members, it is unique,” Jennah Denney, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator for Today’s Power, said. “TPI commends the leadership of the Twin Valley Electric Cooperative and the other 11 electric cooperatives in the Kansas Cooperative Sun Power Program,” she continued.

All the participating Kansas rural electric cooperatives were able to negotiate very favorable long-term rates by working together in the Kansas Cooperative Sun Power Program. In addition, in the design process, the solar arrays will be customized to optimize production during the peak demand hours of the cooperative, when electricity is most costly. These variables will all assist Twin Valley to stabilize the cost of electricity and keep power affordable for those served behind the 2,900 meters of the cooperative.

“While a lower rate for the energy we purchase is a definite benefit to our cooperative, peak-shaving is where we will see our greatest cost savings,” says Twin Valley CEO Angie Erickson. “That cost savings will help us stabilize our rates to our members,” she continued to say.

National data shows that solar power in the country is increasing rapidly. Currently, Twin Valley has several members who have installed solar panels on their own property. By investing in this large array, Twin Valley ensures that the clean, affordable power generated will help all their customer members, not just those who placed panels on their own homes.

“This solar array will quietly generate clean, safe, renewable power right here in Labette county. That is something we can feel good about,” said Erickson.

Twin Valley’s solar farm will be built next to their Mound Valley substation, south of Mound Valley, KS on Elk Road. Construction is expected to be completed in May.

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ABOUT

Owned and governed by the members it serves, Twin Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc, (TVEC) has been providing electricity in Southeast Kansas since 1945.

With its service territory located between the Verdigris and Neosho river valleys, Twin Valley serves rural homes, farms, and businesses in Labette, Neosho, Montgomery, & Cherokee counties.

CONTACT: Angie Erickson – CEO

(620) 784-5500 or aerickson@twinvalleyelectric.com