Cobb EMC Expands Affordable Solar Energy Portfolio

From Cobb EMC: Cobb EMC today announced an expansion to the Marietta-Ga.-based electric cooperative’s solar energy portfolio through a 30-year power purchase agreement with Green Power EMC. This agreement, along with other recent solar initiatives, has increased the cooperative’s solar portfolio by 360 percent since 2016.

“This solar expansion is a game-changer,” said Peter Heintzelman, President and CEO of Cobb EMC. “It allows us to offer solar energy that is cheaper than most other energy sources, meaning our consumers will get the benefits of clean, renewable energy while paying less for it. They no longer have to choose between clean energy and affordable energy.”

The expansion will balance Cobb EMC’s overall energy mix and supply the cooperative solar energy at a record low price of less than 3 cents per kWh, which is lower than most other carbon-based sources.

“We’re focused on bringing the benefits of sensible, affordable solar to all of our members,” said Heintzelman. “On a sunny spring afternoon, as much as 30 percent of Cobb EMC’s power can come from solar energy. Additionally, because this recent expansion is part of our overall energy mix, everyone benefits – not just those who make the investment in rooftop solar panels. Each time one of our consumers flips a switch, a larger portion of that electricity will be coming from affordable, renewable sources.”

The solar project features four site locations and will provide a combined 194 megawatts of solar energy to 30 participating EMCs across the state. The project, which is scheduled to begin construction later this year, is under development by Silicon Ranch Corporation and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2021.

“We’re proud to reduce our dependence on carbon-based energy supplies, to reduce our costs and help keep rates low,” said Heintzelman. “We’re also proud to support our local economies. This new solar project has four locations – all right here in Georgia.”

Image via Cobb EMC