AECI's strong, diversifed resources ensure reliable service

Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. has a diversified mix of generation resources to supply reliable, economical electricity to member systems. AECI's resources include baseload generation supplied by two coal-based plants producing low-cost, around-the-clock power; intermediate generation provided by three efficient, low-emissions combined-cycle natural gas plants; and four peaking plants that provide power when demand rises to peak levels on cold winter or hot summer days. AECI also has contracted power sources, including renewable hydropower and wind energy from northwest Missouri's first utility-scale wind farms, and implemented its "Take Control & Save" energy efficiency program systemwide in 2008 to build upon the longtime energy efficiency efforts of member cooperatives.

Coal-based generation

AECI's coal-based units are the foundation for providing low-cost energy to member systems. The cooperative's owned and contracted coal-based resources make up about 50 percent of capacity, yet they produce about 80 percent of Associated's energy. Associated employees continue to improve the maintenance and operation of these coal units, constructed from 1966 to 1982. These units have been generating at sustained levels since they were converted to burn low-sulfur coal in 1994.

Coal generation

New Madrid Power Plant

Thomas Hill Energy Center

Intermediate and peaking power

Associated's gas-based resources, constructed from 1999 to 2007, provide intermediate and peaking power that enables the cooperative to meet members' growing demand for electricity during higher-use periods. Associated's combined-cycle units, which use heat from the exhaust of the gas turbines to produce steam for additional energy generation, are among the nation's most efficient units with very low emissions.

Intermediate generation

St. Francis Power Plant
Chouteau Power Plant
Dell Power Plant

Peaking generation