Lighting The Way To A Greener Future
This Earth Day, Central Electric Power Cooperative is proud to reflect on our progress with sustainable energy and the road ahead. As we look to build a more reliable energy future for South Carolina, we are deeply committed to diversifying power sources, reducing carbon emissions, and investing in the latest technologies, transforming how we provide electricity for member-cooperatives with future generations in mind.
Diversifying our Energy Mix
Since 2005, Central’s energy portfolio has undergone a dramatic shift. What once relied almost solely on coal has become a more balanced, lower-carbon mix of generation sources. Over the past two decades, we’ve cut coal power generation in half.
- Coal: 79% → 35%
- Natural Gas: 9% → 24%
- Nuclear: 10% → 18%
- Renewable/Non-Carbon: 0% → 5%
- Purchased: 0% → 16%
Because of these investments and forward-thinking, about 70% of Central’s member-cooperatives’ energy needs were met by zero-carbon or reduced carbon-emitting resources in 2022. We’re incredibly proud of this progress but know there’s always room to grow, so our team is constantly working to find innovative ways to shape our power sources.
Powering Progress through Partnerships
One of the many ways we’re able to explore new sources of clean, affordable energy is through our purchasing agreements. Our long-standing Coordination Agreement with Santee Cooper gives us access to a mix of various energy sources, securing a reliable supply for our member-cooperatives.
Our Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Duke Energy is another way we’re tapping into a diversified portfolio of energy sources. More than 50% of Duke’s energy comes from nuclear power and, like Central, is transitioning to natural gas, renewables and solar generation through strategic investments throughout the grid.
Impactful, Local Projects
From local solar partnerships to battery storage, Central is bringing clean energy solutions to the communities we serve:
- Volvo Solar Project: A purchase power agreement with a solar developer to support Volvo’s corporate sustainability goals at the manufacturing site in Berkely County.
- Horry County School Solar Projects: There are rooftop solar installations at two elementary schools in Horry County. Central purchases half of the solar energy they generate, while the schools use the rest to lower their energy bills and earn net metering credits.
- Berkeley Electric Cooperative Community Solar and Battery Installation: In partnership with Central, Berkeley Electric installed a Tesla lithium-ion battery system at its community solar site. The battery charges with solar energy during low-demand periods, providing a valuable load management tool.
And we’re not stopping there. Central and Santee Cooper have each contracted for a portion of the 200 MW AC of new solar currently under development at the Lambert 1 and 2 sites in Georgetown County. This forward-looking effort underscores Central’s dedication to advancing renewable energy and delivering sustainable power solutions to its member-cooperatives. It’s a powerful example of how we are investing today to meet the energy demands of tomorrow.
Powering a Cleaner, Smarter South Carolina Together
As we reflect on Earth Day, we’re reminded that the journey toward cleaner energy is not only reached with new technologies but also by working together with our statewide partners to achieve a reliable energy grid for generations to come. We’re eager to continue working alongside our member-cooperatives and other partners to keep South Carolina moving forward.