We Proposed Adding New Wind, Solar, And Natural Gas Resources Over Next Five Years
On June 1 we filed our 2017-2031 Resource Plan with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. By June 15 the we'll file the plan with the North Dakota Public Service Commission and South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. 鈥淥ur resource plan identifies the most cost-effective combination of resources for meeting our customers鈥� needs for reliable service during the next 15 years,鈥� said Brian Draxten, manager, resource planning, Otter Tail AOA体育平台 Company. 鈥淲e selected our proposed plan based on reliability, affordability, achievability, and environmental responsibility. We believe this plan is a win-win for our customers and the environment.鈥�
"We believe this plan is a win-win for our customers and the environment.鈥� - Brian Draxten, manager, resource planning
Highlights from Otter Tail AOA体育平台 Company鈥檚 resource plan include:
- Adding 200 megawatts (MW) of wind resources (100 MW in 2018 and 100 MW in 2020) and authorization to add up to 100 MW more at a later time. Today wind resources serve approximately 19 percent of our customers鈥� energy needs. 鈥淲ith three 100-MW additions, wind would serve approximately 34 percent of our customers鈥� energy needs,鈥� said Draxten.
- Adding 30 MW of solar resources by 2020 to comply with Minnesota鈥檚 Solar Energy Standard. 鈥淲ith the exception of solar, our proposed resource plan would be the lowest cost for our customers,鈥� said Draxten. 鈥淏ut we think the price of solar will continue to decline and, if it does, it could be part of a least-cost plan scenario.鈥�
- Adding a 248-MW simple-cycle natural gas plant in 2021. 鈥淲e cannot publicly disclose our preferred natural gas plant site at this time, but we鈥檒l locate it in close proximity to a high-voltage transmission line and a large natural gas pipeline within our service area,鈥� said Draxten. The company plans to formally announce the site and begin permitting
this fall.
We meet Minnesota鈥檚 current greenhouse gas reduction goals. 鈥淎fter the wind, solar, and natural gas additions and other planned changes, we鈥檒l continue to meet these goals as they increase through 2025,鈥� said Draxten.
Importance of stakeholder engagement
Stakeholder engagement was an important step in our planning process because our service area stretches across three states, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. 鈥淭he states we serve have differing regulatory policies and philosophies,鈥� said Draxten. 鈥淚t was important to us to meet with regulators and organizations in all three states to gain perspective. These meetings were helpful to all parties and have led to a solid resource plan that balances needs and resources.鈥�
For more information visit otpco.com/ResourcePlan.