Powering homes, farms and businesses in northeast Oklahoma is a point of pride for Associated Electric Cooperative, Central’s generation cooperative located in Springfield, Missouri. Associated serves co-ops in Oklahoma, Missouri and Iowa. Like Central, Associated is owned by members like you and serves 2.1 million people system wide. A board including representatives from distribution and transmission co-ops govern Associated.
Power when you need it
Providing reliable power expected by members requires different types of generation. Associated’s fleet – generated by natural gas, coal, wind and hydropower – is diverse enough to provide power on the hottest, coldest, driest, windiest and calmest days. Natural gas and coal are the most reliable forms of generation because they operate around the clock and can be controlled unlike renewable sources that are dependent on wind or the sun.
Power at a fair price
Electricity is provided to members 24/7/365. As members ramp up their use, Associated’s goal is to ensure reliability, then match members’ needs to the most affordable generation resource. Coal generation supplied about half of members’ electricity in 2019. Coal and natural gas are typically less expensive for generation than renewable sources. Hydropower, the lowest-cost source, is limited by rainfall and is controlled by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Power generated the right way
A focus on members drives Associated to be responsible caretakers of the natural environment. To balance reliable and affordable electricity with environmental responsibility is not easy or inexpensive, but Associated is committed to generating power the right way. Associated and its members have spent more than $1.1 billion to reduce air emissions since 1994, resulting in more than 70% improvement in air quality. Adding wind power to diversify generating sources, investing in environmental controls and staying up to date with regulations and technologies, Associated complies with environmental regulations at the lowest cost possible for members.
