CEC connects solar project

Central Electric Cooperative Inc. connected its new, 200,000-watt solar power system to its electrical distribution system with a ceremony Thursday.

The solar power installation on SE 27th Street in Bend provides enough power to supply the needs of 18 residential members of the cooperative, according to a news release. The installation covers 1.3 acres.

“The project has the potential to grow its generating capacity to 500,000 watts, depending on the rate of increase in the project’s member participation,” the cooperative stated.

Members may participate by paying either an upfront fee or a monthly 1.8 cents-per-kilowatt-hour charge. The program is voluntarily funded because generating electricity through photovoltaic installations costs more than power generated by plants that run on coal, natural gas or hydropower, for example, according to the cooperative.

“It’s conceivable that no one would participate,” said Jeff Beaman, member services director for the cooperative. “We’ve offered (this program), since 1998, and it has more than 750 people participating. They understand they’re paying extra, but the extra they’re paying each month is specifically dedicated to renewable energy.”

The not-for-profit cooperative has more than 25,000 members in the three counties of Central Oregon and parts of Lake, Linn, Wasco and Grant counties. For more information on taking part in the two billing programs for solar power, visit the Central Electric Cooperative website: http://j.mp/1Kv02Vv.

— Bulletin staff report