Our generation sources are diversified by design

Few things in life are as reliable as electricity. Still, we mostly take it for granted that the lights will come on when the switch is flipped — at least until we read the news about massive power outages in Texas and California. 
 
Extreme weather events in those states exposed weaknesses in their systems, but also provided valuable lessons about the reliability we enjoy here in Kentucky. Through strategic thinking and constant improvement, Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are prepared to meet our members’ need for electricity 24/7/365. 
 
How? Following our parents’ advice, we never put all our eggs in one basket. The sources of electricity for the 16 owner-members are strategically diversified to meet the round-the-clock needs of the homes and businesses they serve. 
 
EKPC generates electricity for them through four plants fueled by coal and natural gas. 
 
On our system, we also recognize renewables are an essential part of our energy production. They offer competitive prices with low or no carbon emissions. Our Cooperative Solar Farm One is one of the largest solar projects in Kentucky. We purchase hydropower from the federal Southeastern Power Administration through Laurel and Wolf Creek dams. Six more cooperative plants generate renewable power from methane gas at landfills. 
 
We also have options outside of our own power plants. We are part of a power market covering 13 states called PJM Interconnection. This allows us to tap into power sources outside of Kentucky. 
 
PJM manages the largest electric power grid in North America, and administers one of the world’s largest competitive electricity markets. Being a member greatly helps EKPC to ensure reliable service. It’s like belonging to a very large reserve power sharing organization.
 
Our owner-members and the 1.1 million people they serve can rest easy knowing that their need for electricity can be reliably met through our diversified power generation sources. We’ve got this.