Flathead Electric Cooperative is proud to provide affordable, reliable, largely carbon-free power to its 56,000 members.
Flathead Electric Cooperative is proud to provide affordable, reliable, largely carbon-free power to its 56,000 members. As a Bonneville Power Administration customer, approximately 97% of the Co-op’s fuel mix comes from carbon-free resources, such as hydro, wind, and solar. Of that 97%, about 80% of the fuel mix is comprised of large hydropower projects, like the Hungry Horse Dam and dams on the Columbia River. In Northwest Montana, our power is largely from water. Every day is Hydro Day at the Co-op, but especially on August 24, National Hydropower Day.
Hydropower has powered America with clean, renewable energy for over 135 years. National Hydropower Day celebrates hydropower’s undeniable contributions to America’s clean energy infrastructure. As the renewable resource that integrates the other renewables, like wind and solar, onto the grid, hydropower plays a critical role in advancing America’s clean energy future.
“Flathead Electric Cooperative has been powered by hydro since 1938, when we first turned on the lights in 117 farmhouses across the Flathead Valley. As a leader in renewable energy for 85 years, the Co-op is thrilled to celebrate National Hydropower Day,” stated Tia Robbin, Assistant General Manager at the Co-op.
Given that hydropower pairs perfectly with other renewables, such as wind and solar, states throughout the U.S. are recognizing that hydropower is needed to help them meet their clean energy targets. Hydropower enables greater integration of variable renewables into the grid by utilizing excess generation and being ready to produce power during low wind and solar generation periods. Hydropower also has the ability to quickly ramp up electricity generation in response to periods of peak demand. Hydropower is also reliable, affordable, and carbon-free. Raise a glass of water to celebrate National Hydro Day with your Co-op!
