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Coal Generation in the U.S. Down More than Expected

A survey conducted by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, which was recently presented during a Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee hearing, shows that a coal-fired generation for a significant majority of utilities surveyed is below forecasted totals.

Coops Merge in Tennessee and Kentucky

Members of Tennessee-based Gibson Electric Membership Corporation recently voted to approve a merger with Kentucky-based Hickman-Fulton Counties Rural Electric Cooperative. Gibson EMC president and CEO Dan Rodamaker reported that all employees would retain their jobs.  The merger will save Hickman-Fulton members approximately $12.6 million over the next 10 years.

G&T Coop Set to Debut Major New Transmission Line

Basin Electric Power Cooperative is in the process of building an electric “super avenue” to help serve the Bakken formation.  Although the area is not growing as fast as it once was, it will still continue to see increases in demand for electric service.  The 340kv “super avenue” is a $350 million investment and will be critical to the ability of cooperatives to serve the Bakken in...

USDA Awards $2.3 Billion for Rural Electric Infrastructure Projects

The USDA is awarding $2.3 billion in loans through its USDA Rural Development’s Electric Program, which makes loans and loan guarantees to cooperative associates and other utilities for electric distribution in rural areas.  Seventy-seven utilities and cooperatives in 31 states will receive loans to build and improve rural electric infrastructure in 31 states.  Funding is contingent...

Eighth Circuit to Decide Dispute Between Minnesota and North Dakota Over Coal-Generated Electricity Regulations

The states of North Dakota and Minnesota are involved in a dispute over Minnesota regulations restricting new coal-based power generation.  North Dakota challenged the law in the federal district court arguing that the law violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution because of its effect on out-of-state utilities.  North Dakota won at the district court level, but Minnesota...

90 Miles of CapX2020 Transmission Line Energized

Owners of the CapX2020 project, including Dairyland Power Cooperative, recently celebrated the energization of approximately 90 miles of newly completed transmission line segments located in Wisconsin and Minnesota.  The CapX2020 project is a major transmission project which represents part of the largest expansion of transmission in the Upper Midwest region in decades and is expected...

Arkansas Electric Joins in Cyber Attack Prevention Research

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (Arkansas Electric) has teamed up with researchers from five universities in an effort to ensure increased security for the nation’s electric power grid.  Arkansas Electric will serve as an industry partner to researchers working in conjunction with the Department of Energy Center for Securing Electric Energy Delivery Systems.

Solar Shortages Threaten Cooperative Utility Projects

Shortages of solar panel equipment are expected in 2016, with lead times of up to six months for larger orders.  Dan Danley, contract technical liaison with NRECA’s Business and Technology Strategies unit, has been warning utilities to plan ahead to avoid solar project delays.  The projected shortages are the result of increased demand for solar equipment driven in part by a 30 percent...

Appalachian Electric Cooperative Set to Begin New Solar Project in Fall

Appalachian Electric Cooperative is set to begin construction of a new 1.373-megawatt “community solar” facility this fall.  The facility will include 9,468 photovoltaic cells that will generate enough renewable electricity to power approximately 115 homes for an entire year.  The new project will be funded in part by a grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority and is one of only two...

Coop Adds Landfill Gas Generation to its Renewable Portfolio

Hoosier Energy (Hoosier), a Bloomington, Indiana G&T, will be partnering with a local landfill operator to develop a renewable energy facility.  The facility will use landfill methane to fuel engines that will produce 4 megawatts of electricity.  The project, which will be Hoosier’s fourth landfill methane facility, will provide an additional source of renewable power to Hoosier’s...

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