Rural Missouri - August 2024 - 24

The Fight
to Keep the
Lights On
Electric reliability under
attack by government rules
by Mark Viguet |
D
info@ruralmissouri.coop
uring recent winter storms and summer heatwaves,
electric cooperatives in Missouri set records
for seasonal electricity demand. Through the
extreme conditions, Associated Electric Cooperative
- the power generator for Missouri's electric cooperatives
- and its six transmission cooperative memberowners
kept the power flowing reliably using a balanced
portfolio of generation sources, including coal and natural
gas power plants, hydropower, wind and a resilient transmission
system.
While other utility companies resorted to rolling blackouts
during the harsh weather, the lights stayed on for
Missouri electric cooperatives, thanks in large part to
the 24/7 coal power plants and natural gas generation
designed to work when they are most needed, regardless of
weather conditions.
The future is cloudy
But the potential for a less reliable electric system
looms. Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) issued a new rule targeting existing coal-fired
and new gas-fired power plants with a goal of shutting
down all fossil fuel power plants. This controversial rule
will have devastating effects on the reliability of the electric
grid by speeding up the retirements of coal and natural gas
plants, which produce 60% of the energy in the U.S.
24 RURAL MISSOURI | AUGUST 2024
Reliability is not a concern of the EPA. The result for
electric cooperatives is less reliable and more expensive
electricity for their members. For those reasons, the EPA
has been challenged in multiple lawsuits by a coalition of
utilities, including those in Missouri and 26 other states.
Fossil fuel generation delivers unmatched reliability
Associated's diverse mix of generation resources keeps
reliability and affordability as the top priorities for the electricity
generated and delivered to members. As pressure
from the EPA causes more reliable fossil fuel plants to shut
down prematurely, what energy source will fill the gap?
Coal and natural gas plants are the backbone of reliable
and affordable power for Missouri's electric cooperatives
because they are available when needed 24/7. Renewable
sources, such as wind and solar, cannot provide power
with that same reliability.
When coal plants and natural gas generators are
replaced by weather-dependent, intermittent sources like
solar and wind, reliability will suffer while prices increase.
Until there is a proven alternative with equal reliability,
fossil fuel generation is a key part of keeping the lights on.
Cooperatives invest in a cleaner environment
Those who rely on the land, air and water for their
livelihoods are deeply invested in taking care of the environment
they depend upon. For electric cooperatives,
safeguarding rural communities is a foundational value
demonstrated through a history of proactive stewardship
and compliance with state and federal regulations.
Rural Missouri - August 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Rural Missouri - August 2024
