Wet Summer Could Lead To Lower Electric Bills

MARQUETTE – Significant rainfall and cooler temperatures may have dampened the spirits of outdoor recreationists this summer; however, the silver-lining has been an increase in the production of clean, renewable energy from Upper Peninsula Power Company’s (UPPCO) hydroelectric generation fleet.

“The extra rainfall has increased the water level in our reservoirs allowing additional hydroelectric generators to run this summer,” said UPPCO CEO Jim Larsen. “During the month of July, we produced more than twice the amount of energy we would typically expect to see based on the ten-year average. Combined with the wet spring, we have produced approximately 57 percent more electricity than a typical year.”

UPPCO owns and operates seven hydroelectric dams along the Dead, Escanaba, Ontonagon and Sturgeon rivers. UPPCO’s hydroelectric generation fleet produces approximately 18 percent of the company’s energy requirements during a typical year, exceeding the state’s renewable portfolio standard. As an added benefit, UPPCO’s hydros provide fish and wildlife habitat, offer recreational opportunities for U.P. residents and visitors and support the local tax base. The additional energy being produced reduces the need for energy purchases, helping to lower the overall cost to customers. These savings will be passed on to customers beginning with the January 2018 billing cycle.

“This could be a banner year for energy production out of U.P. Power Company’s hydrogeneration fleet. When combined with other measures being taken by UPPCO’s leadership team, we expect to see lower energy bills for customers beginning with the January 2018 billing cycle,” said Larsen. “We take great pride in knowing our hydros provide considerable value to our customers and the entire Upper Peninsula.”

For more information on UPPCO’s hydroelectric generation fleet, visit www.uppco.com and click on Our Company/Helping the Environment/Renewable Energy.