Energy Resources

Variety is the spice of life. And the source of savings.

Cooperative Energy has a diverse generating mix that includes natural gas, coal, nuclear, water (hydro) and solar. Having a broad mix of options allows us to minimize the cost impact of any significant increases of a single fuel source.

Generating Facilities

Generating Electricity

Every time you flip a switch, we get to work.

Ever wonder how your electricity works? Or where it comes from? Here’s some info that might enlighten you.

On-demand power

The generating process itself is incredibly responsive — literally, whenever a light is turned on or some other need for electricity is called for, that demand is immediately met by a generator in the system.

Fluctuating demand

When the demand for electricity throughout the system goes up and down, which it does continually during different times of day and seasonally (think about all the heating and air conditioning units operating at one time), additional smaller generating units are called on. Cooperative Energy uses 13 generating units located across Mississippi to meet the additional needs.

Diverse & flexible fuel options

The generating process takes a source of energy and converts it to electricity. Our mix includes:

Natural gas
Coal
Nuclear
Water (hydro)
Solar

Supplementing power

We also supplement our own generating capacity by buying power from other utilities. Purchased power is the highest cost involved in providing bulk power to cooperative members, so we negotiate long- and short-term purchased power agreements to ensure an economic and reliable power supply.

Generation Stations

Our Generation Stations

J.T. Dudley, Sr. Generation Complex

Batesville Generating Station

R.D. Morrow, Sr. Generating Station

Sylvarena Station

George B. Taylor, Sr. Generation Station

Benndale Station

Paulding Station

Grand Gulf Power Station

Transmitting Electricity

Power highways carry electricity throughout Mississippi.

Cooperative Energy’s bulk wholesale power is delivered via more than 1,755 miles of transmission lines and 57,010 miles of distribution lines.

Through the woods

In Mississippi, transmission lines are built through long stretches of forests and woodlands, as well as across swamps, rivers and bayous.

On private property

Power lines are normally built on private property, and companies are permitted to have easements in order to maintain and upgrade the lines and other facilities.

Under constant evaluation

Because consumer demand is ever increasing, the entire system is constantly being evaluated and plans made for timely expansion.

How it works

Transmission lines are operated at high voltage (normally between 69,000 and 230,000 volts), which allows the power to flow effectively and more economically.

When high voltage electricity reaches its intended destination, a substation, the flow is reduced to a distribution voltage (normally about 13,800 volts) and sent along lines to homes and businesses.

When it reaches a residential member, the transformer on a pole (or an underground transformer in front of a house) reduces the voltage again for use in household appliances and other electric-powered equipment (either 110 or 220 volts).

Transmission System Map

Cooperative Energy delivers wholesale power to its member cooperatives in three distinct transmission areas.

	1- Cooperative Energy transmission area (On system)
	2- Entergy transmission area (Off system)
	3- Mississippi Power transmission (Borderline)

Peak

Peak Records

When power demands peak, we set new records.

Periods of increased usage are called peaks, and Cooperative Energy uses 13 generating units located across Mississippi to meet the additional needs. Here are the highest demands on record.