Peak power

New generation projects support rural reliability

When winter temperatures plunge or summer heat soars, how important is the electricity you depend on? New natural gas generating units are underway in Missouri and Oklahoma, designed to ensure reliable electric service when electricity demand spikes and rural electric cooperative members need it the most. 

Associated Electric Cooperative, the power generator for six transmission cooperative owners and their distribution cooperatives across Missouri, northeast Oklahoma and southeast Iowa, is working to make sure co-op system reliability continues to be the norm — not the exception. 

Record-setting member energy demand underscores need for additional generation 

Building new power generation is not a decision made lightly. The big question: How can the cooperative responsible for providing reliable and affordable power to rural communities best meet that mission? 

Extensive analysis shows Associated needs additional generation capacity to serve members reliably during peak weather conditions, such as winter storms or extreme summer heat. The need for additional generation has been underscored as the Associated system set a new summer demand record and its three highest winter peaks between 2021 and 2024.

“The data and upward trend are very clear,” says Sean Wright, Associated vice president, construction. “Energy use during severe weather is growing and more power is needed when demand peaks for rural electric cooperatives. To make sure we have power in the future when it will be needed and avoid power disruptions, new generation facilities must now be built. These generating units can take up to six years from start to finish and we’ve been working on them for three years now.”

In 2022, Associated’s member-led board of directors authorized the cooperative to add up to 900 megawatts (MW) of new natural gas generation to best serve member needs for reliable power. Associated is constructing two energy centers — one in Missouri and one in Oklahoma — that will each provide 420 to 445 MW of power. That power will be available when the system needs it most. 

“These types of units can start quickly and be up to full generating capacity in minutes, which is exactly what is needed during energy demand spikes,” Sean says. “Natural gas is much cleaner burning than other fossil fuels while still being available on-demand.”

Associated developed and applied for all required air, water and land permits for both locations, which are in various stages of rigorous regulatory review. Construction and commissioning will take about two years with a total project cost of more than $500 million per energy center. Associated plans to finance the projects with the Rural Utilities Service, a division of USDA.

Turney Energy Center: Missouri’s most advanced natural gas generator 

Associated purchased an 82-acre parcel near Turney in northwest Missouri for the site of the new natural gas generation facility. The Turney Energy Center’s strategic location near gas supply pipelines, water supply and transmission lines allows for the new facility to be built at a lower cost to members. 

Turney Energy Center will be the most advanced natural gas generation facility in Missouri, employing 300 to 400 workers during construction and ultimately home to six to eight permanent employees. Construction of Turney is anticipated to begin in 2025 with the unit generating power in 2027.

A similar project, Ripley Energy Center, is being built near Stillwater, Oklahoma. Initial construction activities began in October. Ripley, which features the same type of generator as Turney, is projected to start generating power in 2026. When complete, both projects will deliver power into the Associated member-owned transmission system, serving more than 2.1 million people in rural areas. 

Community engagement a priority in generation development

An important part of the new generation development process is working with the local community around the site locations to make sure they understand why it is needed, what is being built and the safeguards being put in place for the local environment. Project information developed and distributed describes the need for the project and the technical and environmental aspects of the peaking energy centers. Informational web pages are online for the Turney Energy Center and Ripley Energy Center at www.AECI.org.

“Meetings with generation and transmission member-owners, local distribution cooperatives, community leaders and other stakeholders are conducted early and often,” Sean says. “We work closely with them to better understand the local area and sensitivities to make sure our projects are accepted and welcomed by the community. We don’t want there to be any surprises for local residents. We want them to be an engaged, active part of this process.” 

Public meetings educate and inform members

In September, Associated hosted a public meeting in the Turney area to meet with cooperative members, make project subject matter experts available and distribute materials. Attendees learned about the many facets of natural gas peaking stations. A similar meeting was held in December 2023 in Ripley, Oklahoma.

“We are member-owned and member-led. We don’t forget that as we work to build these projects that are so important to keep power supply reliable,” Sean says.

Committed to community 

Land stewardship: About 37 acres of the 82-acre Turney site will be allocated for the energy center’s footprint, with the remaining tract kept in agricultural production. Existing wetlands will be left intact. To prevent disturbing culturally significant land, Associated conducted more than 800 shovel tests with archaeologists. 

Air quality: The latest emission-reducing technology will ensure the energy center meets all regulations for air quality. Selective catalytic reducers will be installed and are capable of providing an industry-best reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions. 

Water use: Water used by the energy center will be treated water supplied by a non-profit rural water district based in Lathrop. Water will be safely returned to the environment through an outfall, with discharge regulated by a water permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 

Noise mitigation: The energy center will be equipped with features to reduce noise. Associated’s goal is to keep sound levels at homes in the vicinity equivalent to the volume of a typical person-to-person conversation. 

Lighting mitigation: The energy center will have exterior lighting for safety and security. Lighting will be shielded and directed downward to reduce its visibility from nearby properties.