AEC Flips Switch on Green Power

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

Electricity in Jefferson County just got a little greener. On Thursday, Appalachian Electric Cooperative held a ceremony to “flip the switch” on their new solar farm. The project, located near New Market Elementary School, broke ground August 1, 2016 and can be seen from 11-E. The site is now home to 9,471 panels and should generate 1.8 million kilowatt hours within the first year of operation. According to current AEC consumption, that is enough to power 130 homes.

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

Present for the ceremony were the first residential subscribers to the new program, John and Joan Barnhill. “Not only does it provide green energy for the co-op, but it also gives folks like us and members the opportunity to invest in this project and get some return,” Barnhill stated during the ceremony. Also present were AEC General Manager Greg Williams, AEC Board President Robert Drinnon, and representatives from TVA.

The ceremonial flipping of the switch was done by Caroline Loveday, a student from New Market Elementary and daughter of AEC lineman Jeremy Loveday.

Members are still able to subscribe to the service, and are encouraged to contact Appalachian Electric Cooperative for information.