Search Continues for Cleaner, Cheaper Energy
Missouri electric cooperatives are seeking cheaper alternatives for power to help keep the ever-growing cost of energy down.
State Rep. Maynard Wallace, of the 143rd District, said there is a proposal being considered by U.S. Congress that would place a carbon tax on electricity generated by coal-fired power plants.
“If this ever becomes a law, it could add up to $1,000 per year to our electric bill,” said Wallace, who recently attended a session conducted by the Missouri Electric Cooperatives. “Although we have electricity from solar, wind, nuclear and water power, coal is the major source of the Midwest’s electricity.”
Proposals in Congress would impose a carbon tax of $10-$12 a ton on the low end all the way up to $50 a ton.
At $12 a ton, it is estimated the annual increase for the average cooperative customer would be $240 a year. If the tax is $50 a ton, it would increase for the average cooperative customer by $1,000.
Nancy Southworth, manager of corporate communications for Associated Electric Cooperative Inc., in Springfield, said last year, Missouri cooperatives generated 77 percent of their electricity by coal-fired plants and a carbon tax of $50 a ton would be overwhelming to electric cooperative customers.
“The cost is something our customers cannot afford. Cooperatives are talking to their members and asking them to contact our Missouri congressmen and ask what they are doing about the rising cost of energy,” Southworth said.
Already, members of cooperatives have sent more than one-half million messages to the Missouri Congressional Delegation.
Southworth said Associated Electric Cooperative is always on the lookout for renewable energy sources to keep costs down.
Associated is the first utility in Missouri getting wind power from the Bluegrass Ridge Wind Farm near King City, which began producing wind power in spring 2007.
Besides wind, Associated also receives power from its powerplant near Dell, Ark.
Heat-recovery steam generators powered by natural gas are used to capture exhaust heat to power a steam turbine.
The heat-recovery system increases the efficiency of the unit to about 58 percent.
Southworth said 11 percent of Associated’s power comes from renewable energy.
Southworth said the company is interested in nuclear power down the road.
Callaway County Nuclear Power Plant near Jefferson City is the state’s only nuclear plant.
