Interconnecting To Nobles Cooperative Electric
Renewable energy is produced from sources that are constantly replenished and will never run out. Renewable energy such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and sustainable biomass use technologies to convert energy into electricity.
For those members who are interested in owning their own wind turbine or solar array, we appreciate the opportunity to work with you. Our goal is to protect the safety of our cooperative personnel and members, while offering reliable and affordable electricity. Because an interconnected system can affect the safety and reliability of the distribution system, there is an interconnection process and technical requirements that address those concerns.
Nobles Cooperative Electric members who are interested in owning their own wind turbine or solar array should access the cooperative's NOVA Power Portal for the paperwork and materials needed.
A Distributed Energy Resource application must be approved before construction can begin. Please contact Nobles Cooperative Electric before you begin.
- If your system has an inverter and is less than 20 kW, you will follow the Simplified Process.
- If your system is greater than 20 kW, but less than 4 MW, you will follow the Fast Track Process.
- If your system is greater than 4 MW, but less than 10 MW, you will follow the Study Process.
It pays to be a Nobles Cooperative Electric (NCE) member. As a member of a non-profit electric cooperative, you are a part owner. One great advantage of being an owner is we allocate or assign our margins back to our members in the form of capital credits.
Before you make a big investment in a wind turbine or solar panel do your homework and ask lots of questions. If you are given expected performance numbers by a salesman, check them with your own numbers.
- What do they claim for kWh output?
- How does that line up with actual results from similar projects?
Sales claims of kWh production that don't match what has historically been seen can make a big difference in payback and what you hope to see out of your project. Is the system UL pre-certified? Ask for a UL certificate. If not, you could incur added costs. Learn about the company and the individual you are dealing with. How long have they been in business? Check with the Minnesota Better Business Bureau regarding possible complaints.
Wellspring – Your Opportunity To Support Wind
While the electricity that is delivered to your business includes increasing amounts of renewable energy, our Wellspring Renewable Wind Energy® program allows sustainable, conscious businesses the option of helping us do even more for the environment.
By making the choice to participate in Wellspring, you not only help support wind energy development but also help reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy sources.
The Wellspring program provides businesses with an easy, affordable and meaningful way to support sustainable energy efforts. By participating in the Wellspring program, you are able to offset your conventional energy use and take pride in helping promote and expand renewable energy development. Small acts can make a big impact. As more businesses support the program, more opportunities arise to generate power from renewable sources. Together, we can power the future.
No. The electricity generated by the wind turbines is fed into the region’s electric grid. Renewable Energy Credits provide a tracking mechanism for the purchase of renewable energy that is added to and pulled from the electric grid. The wind power you purchase replaces electricity that would have been generated by conventional fossil fuels.
No. Your power will continue as usual because conventional generation will ensure power is supplied when the wind is not blowing.
No. Wind provides a great way to meet some of our electricity needs. However, wind could never generate all of our electricity needs because the wind doesn’t blow all the time. Windgenerated electricity is an important part of the overall mix of generation options.
Today, wind represents a cost-competitive source of energy. As technology advances and costs come down, wind will become more and more cost competitive. Another factor is that the windiest areas are often far from the areas that need the power. Therefore, transmission lines need to be built, and this adds to the overall cost of wind energy.
Contact your local electric cooperative to learn more about how to sign up for the Wellspring program.
What exactly am I buying?
Those who participate in the Wellspring program are purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs). A REC embodies all of environmental attributes of renewable generation and can be tracked separately from the underlying electricity. For every 1,000 kWhs of clean, renewable electricity generation, a REC is created. 1 REC = 1,000 kWhs = 1 MWh
| Name | Size | Corresponding Rate | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellspring C&I Tier 1 Energy | Small Business CI&A <1000 MWh | $2 MWh | 3 year – suggested commitment with auto renew. Notice sent annually if REC rate is to change |
| Wellspring C&I Tier 2 Energy | C&I ≥1000 MWh | $1 MWh | 5-10 year contract |
Who can participate?
To qualify for the program you must be located in your local electric cooperative’s service territory.
| Program Details | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Individual Participant: <1,000,000 kWh (1,000 MWh) annually • Available to a single consumer meeting minimum qualifications | Individual Participant: >1,000,000 kWh (1,000 MWh) annually • Available to a single consumer meeting minimum qualifications |
| Contract Term | 3 year suggested with annual auto renew • Full calendar year terms only (Jan 1-Dec 31) • Notice sent annually if REC rate is to change | 5 – 10 years • Cooperative/Member to define term |
| Pricing | $2/REC = $2/MWh • REC cost subject to change at the end of each annual cycle | $1/REC = $1/MWh • Pricing set annually but locked-in for length of contract term • Enrollment by August 31st for current year pricing, if price changes would take effect Sept 1st • If enroll after Jan, true-up quantity billed in first month |
| Maximum REC offering | 100% of energy usage • Will not sell more RECs than what offsets participant or aggregation energy usage | 100% of energy usage • Will not sell more RECs than what offsets participant or aggregation energy usage |
| Large Capacity RECs | N/A | Individual participant exceeding 10,000,000 kWh (10,000 MWh) annually • Requires approval to ensure REC supply planning |
| Early Termination | Voluntary Termination: No penalty Involuntary Termination: No penalty • Cannot re-enroll in Wellspring until next annual cycle • Involuntary Termination: facility closure, ownership transfer, bankruptcy, etc | Voluntary Termination: 1 year penalty payment based on previous 12 months energy usage Involuntary Termination: No penalty • Cannot re-enroll in Wellspring until after original contract termination date • Involuntary Termination: facility closure, ownership transfer, bankruptcy, etc. |
Have questions?
Your Cooperative team is here to assist with your membership and service questions.