JEFF LEWIS, General Manager
The winningest basketball teams in history are known for their consistency and players with various skill-sets. Some are better three- pointer shooters, while others are defensive stoppers. Having a balanced mix can make the team a powerhouse on the court.
The way to keep electricity reliable is a bit like that too.
Little River Electric’s power team first requires a foundation of consistent sources that can be put in the game any time they’re needed. Having enough “always available” fuel sources such as natural gas and coal can ensure consistent power generation.
Just as a team needs different players for different situations, our power grid requires multiple sources to keep it running. Relying solely on one player is a risky strategy. If that player is injured, the team could suffer more losses than wins the rest of the season.
Similarly, using a single fuel source for electricity generation poses a significant risk to energy reliability. Natural disasters, geopolitical tensions or unforeseen disruptions can severely impact the supply chain of a particular fuel.
A diverse mix of energy sources acts as a safeguard, ensuring that the grid remains operational even in the face of unexpected challenges—like the extremely cold temperatures during the holiday season of 2022. A diverse energy mix also enhances grid flexibility. That’s important because renewable sources such as solar and wind are intermittent by nature. Solar power is productive when the sun is shining bright, but what if it’s nighttime or a cloudy day? That’s where nuclear, natural gas and coal can step up.
Diverse fuel sources contribute to the stability and reliability of the electric grid. The different sources have varying characteristics, including generation patterns, responsiveness and storage capabilities. This diversity allows for a more balanced and resilient energy system that can adapt to fluctuating demand and unforeseen circumstances. Having a mix of these energy sources is like having a team with different skills to handle various situations and scenarios.
A diverse set of energy sources is essential, but that’s not the only thing we need to have reliable electricity. Basketball teams are always trying out new schemes and players. Similarly, electric cooperatives are constantly innovating to maintain reliability for tomorrow. But creating new ways to make our power sources more efficient and reliable takes time, money and technological advances that aren’t necessarily ready yet.
As we continue to work on the innovations of tomorrow, the key to keeping our electricity reliable right now is ensuring a diverse “team” of fuels. Each one brings something unique to the game plan, and together, they make sure we have the power we need, whenever we need it.
JEFF LEWIS,
General Manager
