Eversheds Sutherland Coop Law Blog
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GRE to Test Carbon Capture Technologies

Great River Energy (GRE), a regional power cooperative, is seeking funding for carbon capture research. The funding would support a project at its Spiritwood Station that seeks to use fly ash to capture carbon dioxide and a project that would inject flue gas into an onsite greenhouse at its Coal Creek Station.

NRECA Submits Comments to EPA Regarding Air, Waste, and Water Issues

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding opportunities to reduce the regulatory burden from certain regulations under Executive Order 13777, which directs the heads of federal agencies to seek input from entities significantly affected by Federal regulations.  NRECA commented on various (i)...

Bandera Electric Cooperative Modernizes Electric Grid

Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC), a rural Texas cooperative, recently completed its first distribution circuit automation project in the first step in developing a “smart grid” which will increase the reliability, efficiency, safety, and cost effectiveness of the power system.  The distribution system automation will provide real-time adjustment to changing loads and operating...

USDA Awards Its First Loans under the Rural Energy Savings Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will provide two rural energy providers, South Carolina’s KW Savings Co. and Ohio’s Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, with $13 million and $1 million loans, respectively, under the Rural Energy Savings Program. Seven rural electric cooperatives are the intended recipients of KW Savings Co.’s loan funds.

Tennessee Governor Signs the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act, a bill permitting rural electric cooperatives to provide broadband services in the state.  This legislation is intended to increase the provision of broadband services to Tennessee’s unserved areas.

KIUC Considers Deregulation from Hawaii PUC

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) is currently considering removing itself from the authority of Hawaii’s Public Utility Commission (PUC) and changing to a deregulated or minimally-regulated status. The primary advantages of KIUC’s deregulation from the PUC would be lower costs for its members and greater flexibility to respond to member’s concerns and fluctuations in market...

FEMA Awards $6 Million Grant to Bury Power Lines

FEMA has awarded Kootenai Electric Cooperative a $6 million federal grant to reduce power outages from storms.  The grant will go toward burying 45 miles of transmission and distribution lines.

New Mexico Cooperative Breaks Ground on New Solar Project

Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) recently broke ground on the first of seven solar arrays on the Picuris Pueblo.  KCEC has signed a power purchase agreement to acquire all of the energy produced by the project.