Residents consider starting own co-op

subscribe

Residents of the northern Wyoming town of Clark are looking into starting their own electric cooperative because they're unhappy with what they're paying their current utility, Montana-based Beartooth Electric Cooperative.

Another alternative under discussion is buying Beartooth's system and getting electricity from Salt Lake City-based Rocky Mountain Power.

A group of Clark residents formed the Clark Valley Power and Energy Inc. and laid out their ideas to about 100 people at a meeting last month.

Don Tolman, chairman of Clark Valley Power, said electric rates have increased beyond some residents' means.

"Somehow, we've got to do something," Tolman said.

Beartooth Electric, based in Red Lodge, Mont., has the highest residential electrical rates in Wyoming, according to Wyoming Public Service Commission statistics.

The PSC numbers show a household in Beartooth's system using 750 kilowatt hours a month pays an average of $117.50 a month. The next-closest utility is $100.95.

Ron Roodell, Beartooth Electric general manager, said the co-op's Wyoming customers have had significant rate increases, but he said they were necessary to keep power flowing.

"You think I like this?" he said. "Heck no. I don't like it at all."

Tolman said his group has considered installing a hydroelectric plant on Little Rocky Creek, a natural gas-fired generating plant, and solar and wind power.

He said set-up costs would be high, though some types of power plants have relatively low operating costs.

"We need to know if the community is with us or not," Tolman said. "We're talking about millions of dollars. We're talking about big loans and something substantive."

Carl Cook, vice president of the new power group, said a co-op would mostly help the founders' children and grandchildren.

"We probably won't live long enough to see the true benefits," he said.

Related News

wind power

New York State to investigate sites for offshore wind projects

NEW YORK - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is investing up to $5.5 million for the collection of geophysical and geotechnical data to determine future offshore wind development sites.

The funding is to look at seabed soil and geological data for the preliminary design and installation requirements for future offshore wind projects. Its part of N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomos plan to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035.

Todays announcement is another step in Governor Cuomos steadfast march to achieving 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035, putting New York in a clear national leadership…

READ MORE
bc-diverting-critical-minerals-energy-from-us

B.C. Diverting Critical Minerals, Energy from U.S

READ MORE

ns rate increase

Nova Scotia Premier calls on regulators to reject 14% electricity rate hike agreement

READ MORE

powerlines

End of an Era: UK's Last Coal Power Station Goes Offline

READ MORE

work from home

Residential electricity use -- and bills -- on the rise thanks to more working from home

READ MORE