MEET TIM MCCOLLOUGH
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day, the composition stands at approximately 40% natural gas, 38% coal, 10% nuclear, 8% wind, and the remaining 4% derives from solar and other diverse sources. One core obligation we have is to bring to the MISO market sufficient generation capacity to serve to the energy demands of our load within our service area during each season of the year, while adhering to the reserve margin criteria set by MISO to account for regional grid contingencies. Our most recent peak demand of 295 megawatts (MW), experienced in August of this year, serves as a new all- time peak demand reference point. To meet this demand and the associated reserve margin, we presently acquire 216 MW of capacity from SMMPA through a long-term power supply agreement and call upon a diverse portfolio of locally controlled resources to bridge the gap between our requirements and that contracted capacity. This local generation includes two combustion turbines, seven reciprocating engines at two different sites, the hydroelectric
dam on the Zumbro River at Mazeppa, and a recently
community. Our forward-looking strategy, set in motion back in 2018, commits us to achieve 100% renewable energy, on a net basis, once the SMMPA contract concludes in 2030.
commissioned solar array located near West Rochester. Notably, the Silver Lake Plant, formerly a coal- fired facility and a cornerstone of our generation portfolio, has transitioned its operation. Two of its units now utilize natural gas to produce steam, which is provided to the Mayo Clinic under a long- term contract. reliability, affordable rates, and environmental responsibility in serving our valued customers and the growing business community within our region. Chamber: RPU is currently working toward their 2030 resources plan. Can you provide an overview of what this plan entails and how it will impact the community? This multifaceted approach to power supply ensures McCollough: As of March 31, 2030, RPU’s longstanding power supply agreement with SMMPA will come to an end. Rather than renewing this contract, RPU has chosen a path that offers us greater flexibility in securing power supply to meet the needs of our
Our forward-looking strategy, set in motion back in 2018, commits us to achieve 100% renewable energy, on a net basis...in 2030.
In preparation for the post-2030 era, RPU has actively engaged in discussions with our engineering consultants at 1898 & Co., the RPU Board, and our community to fine- tune our vision. This endeavor has involved the exploration of several scenarios, but there are common threads running through the most probable ones. These include integrating new wind energy and solar energy to meet our renewable energy commitments and adding demand response assets into our portfolio to manage
the anticipated growing load demands in our community.
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NOVEMBER 2023 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 7
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