Integrating a storage solution with the solar provides the opportunity to store renewable energy until required. Such renewable power resources, such as solar and wind, might not be produced during high usage periods, depending on weather conditions. “Renewable energy can displace our need for other sources of energy. “Clean, renewable energy sources are an important part of a sustainable society, says Jarrell. ![]() Solar energy created by the project will be stored in batteries for use when needed. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the “solar garden” to see the flower power in action. Essentially, Smartflowers follow the sun, opening in the mornings and closing in the evenings. Three of the flowers are located along the highway, while the fourth is a mobile smartflower that stays on Cobb EMC’s campus, but is also available for select events to demonstrate the power of the sun. Boasting more than 300,000 customers, the company prides itself on offering simple and competitively priced rate plans along with excellent customer service, and has promised to give back 5 percent of its profits to assist children in need.Īn expansion of the renewable energy project includes a series of “Smartflowers” on Highway 41, which will provide another 13,140 kWh of power and give the cooperative a high-visibility chance to showcase renewable energy to the public. Initially serving just a few hundred clients, it now reaches more than 200,000 customers and is one of the nation’s largest EMCs.Įstablished in 2006, Gas South is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cobb EMC, serving residents, businesses, and governments not only in Georgia, but in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina as well. Company officials say the project will provide enough power to supply about 200 homes for a full 12 months.įounded in the 1930s, Cobb Electric Membership Corp., or Cobb EMC, is a non-profit electric utility serving customers not only in Cobb County, but in Cherokee, Paulding, Bartow, and Fulton counties as well. As a subsidiary of Cobb EMC, we are excited to work with our parent company on this innovative project.”Īt full build-out, roughly 1.85 megawatts of solar and 1 megawatt (4 megawatt hours) of battery storage will be added to Cobb EMC’s campus near Highway 41, helping power its operations for years to come. Gas South President and CEO Kevin Greiner echoed Heintzelman’s sentiment, saying, “Together, we’re committed to renewable energy that will pave the way for a more sustainable future for our communities. We’re proud to support sustainability efforts that make financial sense for all of our members.” “This project enables us to test the performance advantage and resiliency of solar panels and battery storage, which will benefit Cobb EMC members for decades to come. “We’re committed to affordable, renewable energy and redefining what it means to be an energy expert,” Peter Heintzelman, Cobb EMC president and CEO, said in a press release touting the event. The project broke ground on February 13, as leaders from Cobb EMC, Gas South, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Creative Solar USA, and Northern Reliability all were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony. Through a market power purchase agreement, Gas South and Cobb EMC both demonstrate their support of renewable energy and a reduced carbon footprint.” ![]() “Gas South’s partnership allowed the opportunity for the project to qualify for the federal tax credit available for solar and battery projects, reducing the total cost of the project and Gas South’s taxable income. This means a decreased amount of electricity supplied from the grid,” says Cobb EMC Vice President of Power Supply and Planning Tim Jarrell. “This project is an innovative partnership that helps the cooperative learn how to better support our members who have interest in solar and battery storage and provide peak reduction savings that are passed on to our members. ![]() Once complete, the renewable energy project will enable Cobb EMC to operate its headquarters during certain hours using 100-percent renewable energy, while diverting shared solar energy back to the grid. With that forward-looking perspective and in partnership with Kennesaw-based Creative Solar USA and Northern Reliability, the companies are building a solar energy and battery storage facility on Cobb EMC property in Cobb County. Both also are working to stay on the cutting edge of energy, keeping up with the latest technology and trends in an ever-changing world. Both are Georgia-based energy providers serving hundreds of thousands of customers in metro Atlanta and beyond. Two local energy providers team up to produce renewable energy for thousands.Īs sister companies, Cobb EMC and Gas South share a lot in common.
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