Sumner-Cowley Electric Cooperative has joined 12 other Kansas electric cooperatives to invest in 20 MW of solar power through the Kansas Cooperative Sun Power Program. This initiative, developed by Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI), will install solar farms across 800 miles of the state, providing a low-cost, long-term energy solution to help reduce peak demand.

Thanks to a recent change in Kansas Electric Power Cooperatives’ (KEPCo) wholesale power contract, participating co-ops can now self-procure up to 15% of their peak demand, with 5% designated for solar. TPI, an energy partner owned by electric cooperatives, was selected through an extensive RFP process.

Sumner-Cowley’s portion includes an 891 kW/DC array near the Miller Substation in Sumner County. “This partnership reflects cooperative principle #6—cooperation among cooperatives—allowing us to provide cost-effective solutions for our members,” said CEO Coni Adams. “By reducing peak demand, we’re ensuring affordable power for our members now and into the future.”