East Kentucky Power Cooperative

Smarter, Cleaner Energy that is Affordable & Reliable

EKPC is implementing proven clean-coal technology to slash emissions. EKPC's newest coal-fueled generating units use cutting-edge technology to reduce emissions. Compared to traditional coal-fueled plants, this new technology:

  • Emits 98% less sulfur dioxide

  • Emits one-fifth of the nitrogen oxide

  • Emits 95% less mercury

    • EKPC is spending nearly $1.5 billion to deploy this technology.

  • Gilbert Unit #3 at Spurlock Station went online in 2005

  • Spurlock Unit #4 is under construction and will go online in 2009

  • Smith Unit #1 is being permitted and will go online in 2012

    • EKPC is spending more than $600 million to slash emissions in its existing power plants. EKPC is installing equipment such as scrubbers, precipitators, selective catalytic reduction devices and low-NOx burners on its existing coal-fueled units.

    Emissions are plummeting while EKPC continues to reliably serve growing demand.

    As equipment is brought online, EKPC's fleet of generating units will emit a fraction of the NOX, SO2 and mercury as compared to 2000. Yet we will have the capacity to generate more power than we did in 2000.

    EKPC is working to make clean-coal technology even cleaner.

    EKPC is planning to participate in the University of Kentucky's consortium to study capture of carbon dioxide from generating units. EKPC has offered facilities to assist the Kentucky Geological Survey's research into carbon sequestration.

    EKPC generates more green energy than any other utility in Kentucky.

    EKPC built and operates five landfill gas plants in Kentucky, and a sixth is under development. This power is marketed by 14 of EKPC's member systems through the EnviroWatts program, offering residents and business a green power option.

    EKPC is exploring other renewable options that are affordable, reliable and really work for Kentucky.

  • EKPC is developing a Request for Proposals for up to 300 megawatts of renewable power. We expect to issue the RFP in the spring of 2008.

  • EKPC has conducted studies to assess the potential for wind power in Kentucky and is evaluating a joint venture wind farm opportunity. Fleming-Mason Energy, one of EKPC's member co-ops, is conducting a pilot solar program.

  • EKPC is partnering with state and local officials in the Maysville area to develop a pilot program for growing switchgrass for use as a renewable, low-emission fuel in EKPC's power plants.

  • Sawmills and woodworking companies in the Somerset area are providing waste wood flour, which EKPC uses as a renewable, low-emission fuel at Cooper Station.

    • EKPC and our member cooperatives are serious about conservation and efficiency. We partner to offer:

  • Free home energy audits.

  • Touchstone Energy Home program to provide incentives for efficiency in new home construction.

  • Nearly 400 qualifying homes have been constructed.

  • Button-Up and Tune-Up programs to improve insulation and HVAC efficiency in existing homes.

  • Free compact florescent light bulbs. Nearly 340,000 CFL bulbs have been distributed since 2003.

    • Conservation and renewables are key piece of EKPCs future portfolio.

  • EKPC and its members are working on a load management program that will reduce energy use by residential customers air conditioners and water heaters during system peak conditions. The goal is to have 50,000 participants in five years.

  • EKPC plans to become a charter member of the National Renewables Cooperative Organization, a cooperative aimed at fostering renewable resources within cooperatives.