We partner with our power provider to handle weather challenges – and has done so for years.

This sweltering summer, you may have paid more attention to energy costs and reliability. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which coordinates electricity generation and transmission in parts of the central U.S. and Canada, warned that there was an elevated risk of extreme weather which could have caused capacity challenges. It pointed to a transition from fossil fuel resources as a significant contributing factor.

Fortunately, we work with Wabash Valley Power Alliance (WVPA), our wholesale power provider, to ensure affordable and reliable energy in multiple ways.

Diverse Power Supply

WVPA’s power supply portfolio includes electricity generated by a variety of resources – including wind, solar, nuclear power, natural gas and coal – to minimize the impact of resource price volatility. WVPA also has long-term contracts with rates locked in that have been very beneficial.

Energy Efficiency Programs

We work with WVPA to offer Power Moves® rebates for energy efficiency upgrades for homes and businesses. WVPA’s program has awarded more than $32 million for projects saving more than 298 million kilowatt-hours – enough electricity to power nearly 25,000 homes for a year.

Demand-Response Programs

We and WVPA also developed PowerShift® incentives for participants to shift their energy use when grid conditions are tight. This helps lower the peak demand, which can offset the need to construct more power plants.

Connected with Each Other – Literally

WVPA’s member electric co-ops are part of the Eastern Interconnection, which is the energy grid that connects transmission facilities across most of the eastern U.S. and Canada, enabling electricity to move along transmission lines throughout the region. It does not include Texas or Quebec in Canada.

Regulatory Oversight

WVPA plans with governing agencies, including state, national and international authorities, to properly maintain and upgrade their infrastructure.

In short, we are all connected physically, in planning and regulatory oversight, so that we are prepared when issues arise. We work tirelessly to ensure that electricity is the last thing on your mind when you flip the switch.