CU, Expanding Your Renewable Energy Options

https://www.cityutilities.net/

The energy revolution has caused all utility companies, including City Utilities, to make hard decisions regarding good assets that no longer fit into today’s methods of power generation. In 2015, CU decided to discontinue the burning of coal at the James River Power Station. New environmental regulations caused the utility to switch over to natural gas as a more cost-effective fuel for the steam boilers which power the generators. This allows the units to remain a reliable asset while giving CU time to sort out the best resource mix for the future of their customers.

High Efficiency Natural Gas

The power generation industry is undergoing a metamorphosis not seen since gas streetlights were replaced with electric bulbs. Coal has been the backbone of the America’s power generation fleet since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Until recently, fossil-fuel and nuclear power plants generated roughly 70% of power in the United States. Now, those facilities  are closing because they struggle to compete with federally subsidized or state-mandated low-cost renewable energy sources. In addition, natural gas prices are at historic lows, giving new, highly efficient natural gas-fired generators a competitive advantage over coal or nuclear units.

These changes, along with a desire for clean, renewable energy sources are having a huge impact on utility demands and cost structures. Fortunately, City Utilities’ forward thinking allowed them to be at the forefront of alternative energy production in the state of Missouri.

Wind-Generated Power

CU started the Wind Current program in 2000, offering customers wind-generated electricity for an optional fee. This paved the way for 2008’s Smoky Hills wind farm contract. The success of these two initiatives led CU to make a major commitment to wind power with the 200 MegaWatt Frontier Wind Project. The larger diameter turbines, utilizing higher hubs and longer blade lengths, are new to North America. The 61 units can generate power at lower wind velocities than most other wind farms. This project increases CU’s renewable energy sources from 10% to approximately 30%. This means 30% of CU’s power now comes from emission-free resources.

Solar Energy

Continuing the theme of good stewardship, City Utilities added solar energy to its portfolio of locally generated electricity in 2014. The solar farm, located northeast of Springfield, is the largest in the state of Missouri. With nearly 22,000 solar panels, it has a potential output of 4.95 MegaWatts, making it one of the largest renewable energy sources in the state, with low operational costs and minimal impact on the environment.

Community Owned Utility

City Utilities is owned by its customers and is part of the community it serves. This connection allows the utility to anticipate and respond to the immediate needs of its customers.

City Utilities, a progressive, community-owned utility, serves 320 square miles in southwest Missouri. Since 1945, CU has provided customers with electricity, natural gas, water and public transportation. CU serves more than 111,000 customers, offering them electricity prices among the lowest in the U.S, combining dependable hometown services, one convenient bill for all utilities, and a personal touch.