Though SOPEC is supported by the use of energy from its communities, supporting energy efficiency programs for members is an important piece to both foster economic development for the southeast Ohio region and save residents, businesses, and governments money on their utility bills.
By including local energy efficiency investments in generation supply purchases, SOPEC is telling energy suppliers that people in SOPEC are using less energy, therefore reducing the demand on the grid to have a steady supply of power available.
As demand lowers, the prospect of installing local renewable power gets stronger and cost-effective for communties as a supplemental power source to the flow from the national and regional grid. As demand for larger grid power continues to fall, renewables gain value.
In this vision, eventually SOPEC communities can become independent of the national grid by providing power to its members through a mix of demand-side efficiency, renewable power, and energy storage. By joining SOPEC, we invite members to participate in this vision and see it as a value that brings opportunity to our region.
