HENDERSON, Ky. – Big Rivers Electric Corporation has entered into agreements to purchase power from two solar developers who will build, own and operate their facilities in western Kentucky.
Community Energy and Geronimo Energy, a National Grid company, were chosen to provide the company’s Member-Owners up to 260 megawatts (MW) of solar generation. Community Energy will provide Big Rivers with up to 100 MW, which will come from solar arrays set to be located in Meade and McCracken Counties. Energy deliveries from the Community Energy contracts are scheduled to begin early 2023. Geronimo Energy will build 160 MW on nearly 1,700 acres at the Henderson/Webster County line and will begin generating in early 2024. Both contracts are 20-year agreements
“Big Rivers is excited to add this renewable energy source to our portfolio for the sole benefit of our Member-Owners,” said Bob Berry, President and CEO of Big Rivers Electric Corporation. “This is another example of our commitment to provide safe, reliable and sustainable energy to our Members.”
“Big Rivers is showing impressive leadership with this purchase of solar power from our McCracken County and Meade County projects,” said Brent Beerley, President of Community Energy. “Each of Big Rivers’ Member-Owners will benefit from the long-term, fixed-priced and low-priced electricity these projects will generate. The region will also benefit from economic development, jobs, and taxes. We look forward to working with Big Rivers and their member communities to bring these solar projects on line.”
“Geronimo Energy is proud to partner with Big Rivers on the largest solar energy project in the state of Kentucky,” stated David Reamer, President of Geronimo Energy. “As a company committed to the southeastern region of the United States, Geronimo looks forward to bringing significant economic benefit – such as new tax revenue, job creation, local spending, and charitable funding – that will directly result from Geronimo’s Unbridled Solar Project to the state of Kentucky.”
Once these power purchase agreements have been approved by the Kentucky Public Service Commission and the Rural Utilities Service, Big Rivers will have a diverse low-cost generation portfolio consisting of coal, natural gas, hydro, and solar.
