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Edmond Electric

Frequently Asked Questions


Why is Edmond Electric offering wind power?

Edmond Electric is committed to responsible environmental stewardship, as well as exploring alternative ways to meet our customers' energy needs, now and in the future. Also, surveys have indicated that Edmond Electric customers are interested in having a renewable energy choice.

Can you explain 100 kilowatt-hours in terms I can understand?

100 kilowatt-hours, or one block of wind electricity will power:

How do I know the electricity I'm using is wind-generated electricity?

Electricity mixes as it travels through power lines, so there is no way to guarantee what percentage of your electricity will be wind generated. However, by selecting Pure & Simple, you're ensuring that the amount of wind power you are buying has been produced at our wind farm.

Where are the wind turbines located?

The 34 turbines, owned by OMPA and operated by FPL Energy under contract, have been built 14 miles northeast of Woodward, Oklahoma and are located on a ridge above the Cimarron River Valley.

Are there other places that have renewable energy?

California, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas and Wyoming have wind farms. In Oklahoma, there are currently two locations that provide wind power to state utilities. The largest single wind power facility in the world is located in Lake Benton, Minnesota. Wind power also is used in European and Asian countries.

Is "renewable energy" the same thing as "green power"?

Yes. "Green power" refers to energy that comes from renewable sources such as the sun, water, the wind, and because it is environmentally friendly.

Who is eligible to purchase Pure & Simple?

The Pure and Simple renewable energy option is available to all Edmond Electric commercial, industrial and residential customers. Using wind-generated electricity requires no change in your wiring or utility hookups.

How do the wind turbines work?

OMPA has built 34 1.5 MW variable-speed wind turbines. They are mounted on 34 separate 210-foot towers. Each turbine has a three-blade rotor attached to the turbine that is turned by the wind, generating electricity.

Do the wind turbines use any fuel?

They only use the wind to generate electricity and do not use any fossil fuels.

How many blocks of renewable power can I buy?

As many blocks as you see practical. Edmond Electric can adjust the amount of wind-generated power purchased with customer demand.

How much electricity will these wind turbines generate?

Based on historical wind profiles for the area, the turbines' electricity is projected to be approximately 170,000 megawatt hours annually. This is enough to meet approximately ¼ of Edmond Electric's annual energy needs. Edmond Electric is the first to offer this energy from OMPA.

What if the wind doesn't blow?

Complete wind studies and profiles have been done of the area where the turbines have been built, and they indicate the wind will be fairly consistent in this area year-round. The turbines will only generate electricity if the wind is blowing.

How much is the wind-generated electricity?

Customers who choose to purchase electricity under this program will be billed $0.09 per month, plus applicable taxes, per 100 kWh of block of electricity, and will see this charge listed on their bill as Pure & Simple. The charge for renewable energy is in addition to a customer's regular metered electricity charge. There will also be a fuel cost credit for the selected amount of wind power.

What is the minimum wind needed for energy production?

A. The turbines will operate at as low as 8 mph wind speed and will shut down if the wind exceeds 58 mph.

How fast does the wind turbine blade rotate?

The rotation is determined by the wind speed, with the optimum wind speed being 25 to 35 mph. At this speed, the blades will turn at approximately 20 rpm.

Do wind turbines bother wildlife?

Wind turbines coexist peacefully with wildlife. Deer and cattle habitually graze under wind turbines and seek shelter around them. The new style of wind turbines we use is much friendlier to birds than the models used even 10 years ago. The blades on our turbines rotate more slowly than the older-style turbines and are, therefore, much easier for birds to avoid.

Are wind turbines noisy?

These large modern wind turbines have become very quiet, with little swishing sound that blends in with other wind noises.

Do wind turbines really save energy?

Yes. Wind turbines use only the wind to generate electricity.

Is wind energy safe?

Wind energy produces no harmful emission or residue into the environment.

Are wind turbines reliable?

Although they only produce energy when the wind is blowing, based on wind forecast at the Wind Energy Center, the OMPA wind farm is projected to produce approximately 8% of the total energy used by OMPA's system.

How much land is required?

The Oklahoma Wind Energy Center is located on 1200 acres of leased land. Each turbine base is approximately 20 feet in diameter. The rest of the land, although leased, is still used for cattle grazing and other agricultural purposes.

Can wind turbines be placed anywhere?

Wind turbine placement requires careful study. Terrain and wind currents are important parts of determining where they are located. The Wind Energy Center site is located at one of the premier sites in Oklahoma, based on wind current studies conducted in the mid 1990s.

What is the average fuel cost for Edmond Electric customers?

The current Fuel Adjustment Rate File is available as a PDF download.

What happens if I use less electricity than my order for wind power in a given month?

Edmond Electric will give you the fuel cost credit for all the wind power you sign up for, regardless of how much electricity you use per month. Likewise, you will still be billed the wind service charge for all the wind power you sign up for, which is an additional 9 cents per 100 kilowatt hours of wind power purchased.

What does 100% wind power mean?

It means that Edmond Electric will monitor your home or business' electric usage for you and that 100% of your electricity will be replaced with wind power. The benefit is that you do not have to call Edmond Electric to change your amount or guess what you might use in a given month.

When will our Pure & Simple charges begin?

The 1st billing cycle following program enrollment.

How much does it cost?

$0.09 per 100 kWh block.

Will I be charged sales tax on the Pure & Simple rate?

Yes. Residential accounts will be figured at 3.25% and commercial accounts will be figured at 7.25%.

Will I pay for a Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) since there is no fuel cost?

No! This will actually be deducted from your Pure & Simple rate.

Can I sign up on the Internet?

Yes, you can sign up online. We also have the form in a printable format so it can be placed in the mail, faxed or dropped off at our customer service utility window. 

Does the City of Edmond allow individual homeowners and businesses to install personal wind generators?

Yes, however Edmond Municipal Code Title 22 requires the application of specific standards in the interest of public health and safety, welfare and other issues such as homeowner association restrictions may not allow power-generation towers. Edmond Electric's "Pure & Simple" program is the most beneficial way to suport renewable energy sources in the City of Edmond. In Edmond, due to electric service being readily available, highly reliable,and relatively inexpensive at this time residents have decided not to install individual towers with wind generators.

Wind Power Brochure