Have you ever thought about where your electricity comes from when you flip on a light switch? If you're part of an electric cooperative, the answer might surprise you. Electric cooperatives use a variety of energy sources, or fuels, to generate electricity. This mix of fuels helps keep power reliable, affordable and more environmentally friendly. WFEC’s focus is on providing the best service for their members, balancing cost with reliability - not making profits.
Different Fuels, One Goal: Electricity
Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC) is a not-for-profit, wholesale power supplier for 21 distribution cooperatives and Altus Air Force Base, located across Oklahoma and into parts of New Mexico. WFEC maintains a well-balanced and diversified portfolio of generation resources, including renewables such as wind, solar and hydropower. Generating facilities are located at Mooreland, Anadarko and Hugo, Okla. and Lovington, N.M. These power plants provide energy from natural gas and coal. Contracted/power purchase agreements are located throughout WFEC’s service territory.
WFEC doesn’t rely on just one fuel, rather it uses a diverse mix to ensure power is always available, no matter the weather or fluctuating market conditions. This diversification benefits WFEC and its members.
Why WFEC Uses a Mix of Fuels:
Reliability: A diverse fuel mix provides a buffer against supply disruptions or fluctuations in any single energy source. For example, wind and solar power can be supplemented by always-available sources like coal or natural gas during periods of low renewable energy production.
Cost: Some fuels are cheaper at various times, while some are more volatile due to market conditions and extreme weather events. Utilizing the lowest-cost resources first and leveraging different fuel types helps keep electric rates lower.
A Bright Future:
WFEC is currently building additional natural gas generation, with plans to add more by 2029. Concurrently, several projects for wind, solar, and battery generation have been put in place to purchase the power from these non-WFEC-owned facilities.
In summary, a diverse fuel mix allows WFEC to balance the characteristics of different energy sources, ensuring a reliable, affordable and responsible electricity supply for its distribution cooperative members. By utilizing a diverse mix of fuels, WFEC will continue to maintain reliability - now and in the future.
For additional information, please visit www.wfec.com.