They discuss the importance of clean energy and how electric cooperatives need to evolve. They received a $38 million grant for grid improvement projects and plan to implement a new energy management system. They also talk about the advantages and challenges of electric co-ops in the energy transition. They have ambitious plans for electric vehicle adoption and emphasize the need to challenge the status quo and embrace change.
Investing in technologies like smart meters and distributed energy resources management systems is crucial for electric cooperatives to meet the increasing demand for power and achieve clean energy goals.
Electric cooperatives, with their consumer-centric approach and higher adoption of advanced metering infrastructure, have the advantage of engaging members and driving the transition to clean energy.
Deep dives
The Need for Evolution in Electric Cooperatives
Peter Mahorro, Chief Strategy and Technology Innovation Officer at Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC), discusses the need for electric cooperatives to evolve as we transition to a cleaner and more efficient electricity grid. With a massive grant to fund grid improvement projects, REC is investing in technologies like smart meters and distributed energy resources management systems to meet the increasing demand for power. Mahorro emphasizes the importance of using all available resources, both behind and in front of the meter, to ensure reliable and affordable electricity. This project is expected to have a significant impact in achieving REC's clean energy goals.
Advantages of the Member Owner Model in Electric Cooperatives
Electric cooperatives like REC operate from a consumer-centric perspective and have a strong focus on engaging their members. Mahorro highlights the inherent advantage of the member owner model that allows for buy-in from consumers and faster adoption of clean energy initiatives. He mentions that electric cooperatives have been ahead in terms of innovation, with a higher percentage already having advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) deployed compared to investor-owned utilities. This consumer-focused approach enables electric cooperatives to better serve their members and drive the transition to clean energy.
Meeting the Net Zero Goal and Promoting Energy Equity
REC has set a net zero goal by 2050 and is working on various programs to achieve it. Alongside increasing renewable energy sources and promoting energy efficiency, the cooperative is focusing on electrifying transportation by encouraging electric vehicle (EV) adoption. They are investing in public charging infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of energy equity. By strategically placing chargers and offering discounted rates for REC members, they ensure that no one is left behind in the adoption of electric vehicles. The cooperative also plans for future growth, projecting a 30% EV adoption rate by 2030 and over 50% by 2050 within their service territory.
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative recently received a $38 million grant through the Department of Energy's Grid Innovation and Partnership Program. The grant will fund a massive rollout of technologies that will serve as the backbone of the energy transition.
Peter Muhoro is one of the executives at REC that will oversee these projects. The money will be used to implement a new distributed energy resources management system, deploy smart meters, and install a fiber network. Since Peter is bullish on clean energy technology, he's making sure REC's long-term strategy is built around it.
This week, Brad speaks with Peter Muhoro, the chief strategy, technology, and innovation officer at Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, about why electric cooperatives need to evolve and how to bring that about.
This podcast is produced by GridX. GridX is the Enterprise Rate Platform that modern utilities rely on to usher in our clean energy future.
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