Midwest Energy, Inc.
Making Energy Work For You
Development of Wind Energy Resources for Midwest Energy
Midwest Energy's Role
- Midwest Energy is a potential buyer of wind generated power. The Cooperative's goal
of securing up to 50 MW of wind generating capacity by 2010 has essentially been
met via two contracts for wind energy from the Smoky Hills Wind Project near Ellsworth.
When the second phase is complete, Midwest Energy customers will receive wind energy
equal to 16% of peak demand, exceeding the Cooperative’s voluntary commitment
to at least 10% by 2010.
- Midwest Energy is not a wind energy developer. It has neither the experience nor
resources to develop wind projects. From time to time Midwest Energy will issue
requests for proposals (RFP) from wind energy developers. A sample RFP is available that illustrates the information
required when submitting a proposal.
- Small projects may not require a developer. But, even small projects must comply
with interconnection requirements. The equipment seller should be familiar with
the procedures. Technical requirements and wind energy purchase prices for small
projects are discussed below.
Wind Energy Purchase Price
- All power supply costs are passed directly to Midwest Energy customers, regardless
of the source. For our customers' benefit, Midwest Energy wants the lowest possible
price.
- The formula for the price paid for energy from wind machines no larger than 25 kW
(residential) and 200 kW (commercial) is established by Kansas law (enter 66-1,184 in “Quick Search”
field) and is contained in a Parallel Service tariff approved by the Kansas
Corporation Commission. In 2006 it resulted in an average "buy-back" rate
of 4.243 cents per kWh; the 2007 buy-back rate was 4.023 cents per kWh.
NOTE: The generator must be appropriately sized for the electric load.
- For wind generators or projects larger than 200 kW, Midwest Energy expects the developer
to propose a price. Proposed prices will be compared to expected costs for other
conventional and renewable energy sources. Midwest Energy will not enter into renewable
energy contracts that may increase long term costs above other alternatives. The
wind energy market is gaining many players, and some will be more efficient than
others. Therefore, Midwest Energy has and will continue to use a competitive bidding
process for wind energy purchases.
Technical Requirements
- Midwest Energy has a
Distributed Resource Interconnection Tariff (Scroll to bottom.) that describes
the interconnection requirements for generators that connect to Midwest Energy's
distribution system. These generally include connections made on the customer's
side of the meter at farms and homes. Click on the following links to obtain application
forms and sample agreements.
- The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) establishes guidelines for very large projects connected
to the high voltage transmission system. SPP procedures and requirements for
transmission interconnections are in the Generation Interconnection Studies
section of the SPP tariff. Look for links to “Large Generator”
documents for projects larger than 20 MW. Use links to “Small Generator”
documents for projects smaller than 20 MW.
