Tri-County Electric Cooperative had their annual meeting this past Saturday and members were updated on pending regulations that could impact future power cost and supply. The United States Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new regulations to greatly reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal-burning power plants. On June 2nd, the EPA proposed rules for existing coal-fired plants. The goal in Illinois is to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 33 percent by 2030. To meet these targets, the proposed rule provides options to obtain compliance. Those options include switching fuels from coal to natural gas; improving individual power plant efficiencies; increased renewable energy, like solar and wind; and consumer energy efficiency. TCEC’s power supplier, Southern Illinois Power Cooperative, utilizes power from hydro-electric and wind sources, and it has systematically installed pollution control equipment that removes most of the sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide and particulate matter from its coal-fired units. SIPC also owns 7.9 percent of the new Prairie State coal-fired Power Plant located in Washington County. It uses the latest pollution control technology and is one of the most environmentally-friendly, cleanest burning power plants in the nation. General Manager Marcia Scott stated that electric cooperatives support an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, one that incorporates nuclear, natural gas, renewable energy and coal. Duane Noland, president/CEO of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, expressed his concern over the EPA rules regarding coal-fired power plants. Noland stated that cutting coal out of the equation would have a dramatic impact on the price of electricity, and that these rules are a “pocketbook” issue. He urged members to contact their elected officials and let them know they are concerned with how the new EPA rules would affect their monthly electric bills. For more information visit www.tricountycoop.com.