For the first time in Powder River Energy’s 80-year history, the cooperative will experience control of a generation resource. This change will enable PRECorp to respond to system conditions in real-time.
Today, PRECorp announced a collaboration with PowerSecure, a leading provider of resilient, innovative energy solutions; and, the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC), to advance a utility-scale battery energy storage and solar generation project in Moorcroft.
Named the LaBelle Prairie Project, the system is designed to help PRECorp address grid-level peak demand challenges driven by industrial growth and rural load expansion, while reducing annual power costs for its members and strengthening system reliability through added backup capacity. The system is also expected to help PRECorp reduce annual wholesale power costs by up to $1 million, while delivering critical backup power capacity during outages and extreme conditions.
“Our value to our members, has always been, we have to be a trusted energy partner,” said PRECorp CEO Brian Mills. “This entire project is loaded with technology and experience that will equip that very value point that the members have of our cooperative. This investment will be a big step forward in how we look to control power costs in the future.”
Mills said the work will have a three-pronged approach. The Moorcroft Substation will be upgraded with new equipment, the battery storage units will be installed, and solar panels will be erected near the PRECorp line service shop, located north of Interstate 90 Exit 153.
The integrated solution will include a 5MW KORE Power battery energy storage system with a total energy capacity of 21.6 MWh and 1.25 MWdc of ground-mount solar generation, providing greater operational flexibility and supporting improved peak demand management. The project cost of $23.5 million is supported by a Federal loan program and tax credits, with PRECorp’s share as low as $11.4 million. PRECorp expects the power cost savings of $1 million each year will accelerate the payback of the project.
PRECorp officials are applying for permits from Crook County and the Wyoming Public Service Commission. “What you’ll end up seeing out there - once we get the permits in place - is construction work later this summer. It will begin with some dirt work around the substation and then battery containers, and solar panels will follow after the initial site work has been completed,” Mills said.
For more information call PRECorp at 1-800-442-3630, or participate in the May 20 Telephone Town Hall meeting with CEO Brian Mills.