by | Jul 21, 2020

Powering homes, farms and businesses in rural Missouri is a point of pride for Associated Electric Cooperative, the generation and transmission cooperative located in Springfield, Missouri. If you are a member of a co-op in Missouri, southeast Iowa or northeast Oklahoma, your electricity comes from Associated’s power plants. This cooperative is owned by members like you and serves 2.1 million people. It’s controlled through three tiers, including your distribution cooperative, its transmission cooperative and a board including representatives from each level.

“Associated generates power for electric cooperatives in our system with values learned from our member-owners,” says Emery “Buster” Geisendorfer, member-elected president of Associated’s board of directors. “We know they want reliable, affordable power generated in a responsible way. That’s how we view the power we generate — it must meet that reliable, affordable and responsible test.”

A Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative member, Buster is a cattleman from Monticello. He serves on his local board and is president of Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative, a regional transmission co-op. He says the three-tiered system — distribution, transmission and generation — is a key difference in why and how Associated generates power.

“I’m a member, too,” Buster says. “Those who serve our member-owners at every level of the three-tiered system are focused on members.”

Power when you need it

Providing reliable power expected by members requires different types of generation. Associated’s fleet — producing electricity generated by natural gas, coal, wind and hydropower — is diverse enough to provide power on the hottest, coldest, driest, windiest and calmest days.

Natural gas and coal are the most reliable forms of generation because they operate around the clock. They can be controlled unlike power sources that use available wind, sunshine or water to operate. There also are adequate supplies of natural gas and coal, including a 45- to 60-day coal stockpile onsite that keeps each of the plants running when needed.

Power at a fair price

Electricity is provided to members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. As members ramp up their use, Associated’s goal is to ensure reliability, then match members’ needs to the most affordable generation resource.

Coal generation supplied about half of members’ electricity in 2019. Low prices for natural gas have increased the use of this fuel source in Associated’s energy mix, which benefits members. Coal and natural gas are typically less expensive for generation than wind or other renewables.

Hydropower, the lowest-cost source, is used as much as possible, but is limited in supply by rainfall and is controlled by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers.

Power generated the right way

A focus on members drives Associated to be responsible caretakers of the natural environment. To balance reliable and affordable electricity with environmental responsibility is not easy or inexpensive, but Associated is committed to generating power the right way.

Associated and its members have spent more than $1.1 billion to reduce air emissions since 1994, resulting in more than 70% improvement in air quality. By adding significant amounts of wind power to diversify generating sources, investing in environmental controls and staying up-to-date with regulations and technologies, Associated complies with environmental regulations at the lowest cost possible for members.

“Having actual end users of its electricity sit on its board of directors makes Associated unique among other generators,” says Buster. “Balancing reliable and affordable electricity with environmental responsibility takes a steadfast commitment and an allocation of resources. It’s a priority Associated takes seriously. Their experience assures Associated meets the needs of its member-owners. I can’t imagine a better way to run a business that puts service first.”

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