We Need More Power--For You!
Your appetite for electricity continues to grow.
Since our last major power plant came on line in 1985, our cooperative has added 1800 meters, a growth in members equal to 26 percent. During that same time period, our kilowatt-hour sales have increased from about 117,000,000 kWh to 235,000,000 kWh. An increase of 101 percent!
While part of this growth reflects the success we have had in economic development, the simple fact is: we are using more electricity than ever. I would as you to look around your home. How many televisions set do you own today? How many did you have in 1985? I could ask you the same question about computers, microwaves and cell phones.
The bottom line is that we need to add new generating recourses to meet our growing demand for electricity. These will be major investments and will increase our costs, which in turn increases the rates you pay.
Some of our growth will be met with renewable sources. Our power supply cooperative, Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI) has purchased the output of two new wind farms being built in Missouri.
Conservation must play a part. We can assist you to use power more efficiently. We currently offer rebates and low interest loans on high efficiency heating and cooling systems. We perform free energy audits to identify energy saving measures you can take.
While the addition of more renewable power and conservation will help meet our needs, we must also invest in new conventional generating facilities such as coal and possibly even nuclear power plants. This investment will be necessary for us to accomplish our mission of safe, reliable and efficient service.