Renewable Energy
With rising energy costs, renewable energy is on everyone's mind including TEC's and its power supplier, Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC). Each power supply path that DPC chooses to meet its members' future needs has unique characteristics to evaluate including project time, transmission access, levels of risk and financial impact. DPC and TEC work together to provide safe, clean, affordable and reliable electricity to members.
DPC is recognized as an industry leader in renewable energy, currently netting about 55 megawatts (MW), and is continuing to grow its portfolio of renewable energy. By gradually adding renewables to its energy portfolio as it has been, DPC and its members feel less of the financial impact of these investments. This gradual addition of renewables also allows technology to progress to help increase the reliability and efficiency of renewable sources for energy generation.
Wind Energy
Wind farms are becoming more efficient at generating electricity. However, even wind still has its limitations. Backup generating resources are still necessary because the wind doesn't blow 24-hours a day. As technology evolves, however, wind has the ability to play an important role in the electric generation once the energy can be captured and stored in an economical manner. Due to the growing interest in consumer-owned wind generation,
TEC feels obligated to bring some important considerations
to the attention of our membership.
 Plan ahead before making your investment. If you are interested in installing a wind generator for
the purpose of selling electricity back the cooperative, you will need to review detailed plans with our staff. Interconnection with utility lines requires considerable
planning and will involve additional equipment and metering. Any device that introduces electric energy onto the cooperative's power lines must be interconnected in a way that does not pose an electrocution hazard to our employees. Read more.
Do your research. The power in the wind varies greatly from one location
to another. Although it seems like the wind is always blowing,
there are many things to consider, such as the terrain, the
site’s elevation, any buildings or natural obstructions,
access to prevailing winds and wind speed. Speed is the most
important factor, and wind speed will vary from year-to-year,
season-to-season, with the time of day, and also with the
height of the turbine. Wind turbines require a minimum wind speed before the blades
will turn and begin to generate usable power. At very high
wind speeds, most turbines will cease generation and shut
down. This cutout speed is a safety feature that protects
the unit from damage. Wind turbines are a large
investment. Before purchasing a turbine, it is suggested
that a wind study be done at the location where the turbine
would be installed. Wind maps are available to the public,
but these are more of an average for the area and are not
always accurate.
The following websites contain important information regarding
wind generation:
Other options. If you
have considered installing renewable energy to power your home, but are not comfortable with the long-term investment, Evergreen is a great alternative. Evergreen is a renewable energy program available for homes, farms or businesses.
For more information contact
Ted Kjos
Vice President of Marketing & External Relations
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