Electric Co-op Today

Co-ops are continuing to press the Environmental Protection Agency to revise its proposed rules on small backup generators, so they can be used to offset power loads at times of peak demand.

Co-ops want EPA to revise its regulations on small emergency generators. (Photo By: iStockphoto)

In a meeting with EPA officials and subsequent comments filed with the agency, co-ops expressed concern that the rules would have an adverse impact on power supply and system operations.

While it’s difficult to predict what the agency will decide, Kirk Johnson, NRECA vice president of energy and environmental policy, said he felt co-ops presented their best case on peak shaving to EPA.

In addition to NRECA staffers, meeting in Washington with Gina McCarthy, EPA’s top air quality official, were Billy E. Brown, executive vice president and general manager of Withlacoochee River Electric Co-op, Dade City, Fla.; Scott Handy, CEO and president of Cass County Electric Co-op, Kindred, N.D.; Mitchell Keel, CEO of Four County EMC, Burgaw, N.C.; and Scott Parsley, assistant general manager, East River Electric Power Co-op, Madison, S.D.

Their concern was directed at the effects of EPA’s regulations on peak shaving for reciprocating internal combustion engines.

The agency has issued rules to limit hazardous air pollutants from the engines by restricting their use during the 100 hours that the agency would allow for non-emergency operation. NRECA has submitted a petition asking the agency to reconsider the rules.

For example, Withlacoochee has placed full backup power generators at hospitals in its service area, as well as generators at hurricane shelters and well fields that supply fresh water.

The co-op’s peak-shaving program helps cover the cost of the generators, but Brown said that the new EPA limitations might force Withlacoochee to discontinue the service, leading to millions of dollars in new costs for consumers.

Instead, co-ops are asking EPA to cap all maintenance, testing, emergency demand reduction, voltage support and peak shaving at 100 hours of operation, and the source owner would determine how best to use the 100 hours of run time.

Johnson said it was important for EPA to hear directly from officials at co-ops that would be affected by the regulations.

“Whether they grant our petition on peak shaving remains to be seen,” he added. “But I do think we’ve done everything we can to influence the agency on this issue, which is very important to our members.”

Tags: Demand-Side Management, Environmental Protection Agency