Pioneer's Point of View on Climate Change
Pioneer Electric Cooperative is concerned about the vitality and health of the planet today and for future generations. The Cooperative strives to be an environmentally responsible organization.
Pioneer and its power supplier, Buckeye Power, Inc., have demonstrated this commitment through environmentally responsible investments in our power plants. This includes selective catalytic reduction technology (SCR) to remove nitrogen oxide and “scrubbers” technology to remove sulfur dioxide from flue gas emissions. Buckeye Power has also added renewable energy sources to its power supply portfolio to now comprise about 5% of the total energy sources. Together, we offer an additional green energy power supply option through the EnviroWatts® program where members voluntarily pay a bit more on their monthly electric bills to further research and development of renewable energy.
Pioneer Electric Cooperative has taken steps at the local level to invest in projects which are more efficient than standard technology to reduce the need for excess power to be generated to maintain distribution operations. This includes investments in high-efficiency distribution transformers, larger-diameter wire to reduce distribution lines losses, and the investment in geothermal heating and cooling systems and motion sensor-controlled high efficiency fluorescent lighting in both the Piqua and Urbana office facilities.
Pioneer promotes initiatives at the end-user level by offering a member discount for the ability to curtail members’ electric water heater and air conditioning use during peak demand periods. We offer educational programs to members, students and civic groups on conservation and improving household energy efficiency, and the benefits of geothermal heating and cooling systems. Studies have shown this to be the most effective technology in the Midwest to address emissions. We also offer the Touchstone Energy® Home Program, awarding incentives to members who choose to construct qualifying super-efficient all-electric houses. The Cooperative provides numerous energy management tools on its website, as well as three levels of energy audits to assist residential members in identifying structural and lifestyle changes to reduce energy use and bills. We share the cost of contracted energy audits for commercial and industrial member-consumers. Pioneer has exchanged more than 20,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) for inefficient incandescent bulbs. The incandescent bulbs are recycled and Pioneer acts as a drop-off center to properly dispose of CFLs. The Cooperative works with members who choose to invest in on-site production of wind or solar power to ensure appropriate and safe interconnection of the facilities.
Pioneer recognizes there are scientists, citizens and government leaders who firmly believe greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide are a further threat to the quality of life on earth. As they work to reduce CO2 emissions, Pioneer urges a fair, achievable and affordable approach be taken. The Cooperative supports a legislative resolution which does not include cap and trade provisions. We do not support regulation of greenhouse gases by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An emission reduction schedule must be realistic based upon available technology, and Congress should accelerate and increase federal support for the development of greenhouse gas abatement technologies, including carbon capture and sequestration, as well as nuclear power. Adopted strategies must also include a focus on improved efficiency by end-users to reduce the demand for energy generation.
Board approval: July 2010