York Electric Cooperative, Inc.

solar

Let us be your source on solar

In the last few months, we have received many questions about solar power, such as:

• Will it reduce my power bill?
• Is solar a less-expensive alternative?
• What questions should I ask solar salespeople?

YEC began researching renewable-energy alternatives about 15 years ago, and we’ve been offering Green Power to our members since 2004. Since then, solar energy alternatives have become available and have generated a lot of consumer interest. And, issues surrounding solar energy alternatives have been addressed by the S.C. General Assembly. There are now two publications with which anyone considering solar should become familiar. The first is SC Act 236, the law governing renewable energy in S.C. The second is the Office of Regulatory Staff’s Cost Shifting Analysis on what renewable energy will cost S.C. citizens by 2021.

Information is key to any large investment. I would encourage all of our members interested in renewable energy to research the pros and cons and do what best fits each individual.

In this column, I am going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions I’ve heard. If I don’t cover it here, don’t hesitate to call. We will do our best to get you straight answers.

Solar FAQs answered

Before even considering investing in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, improve your home’s energy efficiency. This will reduce the size of any system you might install and improve your investment. Otherwise, the cost benefits may be disappointing.

Smaller solar PV systems range in size from about 2,000 watts—or 2 kilowatts (kW)—up to around 13kW. They cost $4,250 to $5,000 per kW. A 2kW system might save a consumer $31 a month. This is a lot of money for a small reduction in your monthly power bill.

If you aren’t sure it’s worth it, visit MySCSolar.com, a website developed by YEC and other S.C. co-ops to help our members. You can plug in your numbers—the generating capacity of a solar PV system, its up-front costs, etc.—to calculate your return on investment. Of course, please contact us anytime if you need assistance.

Questions to ask about solar

We recommend YEC members ask the following questions related to rooftop solar PV systems:

  • How long does the warranty last? When will you have to assume repair or replacement costs?
  • How old is my roof? You need a good roof on which to install a solar PV system. If you have to replace your roof, what will that cost? And, if there’s a storm, will you have to replace the roof and the solar panels?
  • Will solar panels increase my insurance costs? Sometimes, features you might think add value—say, an in-ground pool—can be liabilities. Check with your insurance company.
  • Will renewable-energy tax credits benefit me? Check with your accountant. But one thing’s certain: You will not get a check from the government for installing solar. Tax credits don’t work that way.

We are here to serve you! Allow us to be your trusted resource on solar.

Paul Basha

Paul Basha
President and Chief Executive Officer

Related Topics:
Another bright opportunity
Community Solar 
Renewable Energy
MySCSolar.com

Affordable, innovative and member-focused

Paul Basha, YEC President and Chief Executive Officer
Paul Basha, President and Chief Executive Officer

YEC’s goal is to serve you well!

From the dawn of their existence, cooperatives have been characterized as “large enough to serve you; small enough to know you.” I believe that’s an apt description of YEC. As your Touchstone Energy partner, we stand with hundreds of cooperatives nationwide in dedication to our guiding principle: members first. YEC possesses the personnel, facilities, equipment and mission to ensure that our members are served well!

Asplundh’s trimming crews.
TRIMMING MATTERS – Asplundh’s crews clearing rights of way (ROW) helps YEC provide safe and reliable electric service.

This year, we will serve you well by continuing to invest time and resources in our local communities through strong economic development leadership and other initiatives, by striving to keep rates stable and affordable, and by maintaining and implementing technologies to increase service, security, reliability and efficiency.

Dawning soon

In response to member interest, YEC will continue to develop our community solar farm project by building a second farm and securing a site for a third location. We will also introduce a new Beat the Peak program, a free and voluntary effort to help control energy costs for cooperative members.

Look for the details in future issues South Carolina Living magazine.

Member benefits

One of the many benefits of being a member of YEC involves the allocation of excess revenue, called margins, in the form of capital credits. I am pleased to announce that YEC will return $1.3 million, the largest amount in our history, to our members in May.

Save the date

Please highlight Saturday, May 13, on your 2017 calendar and plan to attend our 76th Annual Meeting. Our employees are already in the process of planning a fun-filled day, and a $15 power bill credit has been reserved for all members who register. The meeting gives us the opportunity to get to know you better, and you just might win the grand prize! Please review the Annual Meeting bylaw excerpts below pertaining to nominations of trustees, and let us know if you have any questions.

As always, we remain anchored to the Touchstone Energy core values: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community, and look forward to providing you with the best we have to offer in 2017.

Paul Basha

Paul Basha
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Bylaw excerpts—Article IV Trustees,
Section 4.06 Nominations

Not less than ninety (90) days prior to the meeting, nominations may be made by twenty-five (25) or more members of the cooperative in writing over their signatures on an explicit petition document listing their nominee(s) in like manner. This document must be obtained from the cooperative no more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the Annual Meeting and must be specific to each district. In addition to the required petition, candidates must attend a Board-developed educational program on Cooperative history, operations and governance not less than sixty (60) days prior to the next Annual Meeting, or have a minimum of three (3) years of service as an electric cooperative Trustee. The educational requirement will be offered at the Cooperative on two (2) specified dates prior to the Annual Meeting.

The Secretary shall mail to the members with the notice of the meeting, or separately, but at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting, a complete statement of the names and addresses of all nominees for each Trustee District from or with respect to which one or more Trustees must be elected, showing clearly those who have completed the educational requirement and those who have completed a minimum of three (3) years of service as an electric cooperative Trustee.

The Secretary shall post in like manner such nominations at the Cooperative offices sixty (60) days prior to the next Annual Meeting.

 

Annual Meeting FAQ

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Who are the candidates running for the YEC board of directors?

The candidates for the YEC board of directors election will be announced after February 13, 2022, the deadline for petitions.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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What bylaws amendments are on the ballot?

There will not be any bylaw amendments in 2022.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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Will parking be available at the annual meeting?

No parking will be available at the annual meeting because it is completely drive-thru.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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How will I be notified about the annual meeting?

Each member will receive an official announcement in the April South Carolina Living magazine, as well as a registration postcard. Please keep your registration postcard and bring it with you to the annual meeting.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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What is the annual meeting and why should I attend?

The Annual Meeting is a meeting of YEC’s members and a special occasion for members to participate in cooperative business and meet their cooperative leaders and employees. As a democratically controlled, not-for-profit business, our bylaws indicate we host a meeting for members to gather and vote on important matters each year. We’ve adapted the meeting to be safe for all and convenient for you by hosting registration and voting as a 2-day drive-thru experience and virtual business meeting. Each member who is present and registers receives a registration gift and will be eligible to win door prizes. Most importantly, members can exercise their cooperative right to vote in the election for seats on the cooperative’s Board of Trustees. During the virtual business meeting that will be streamed on our website and our Facebook page, our President and CEO, attorney and Board Chairman will update you on important Cooperative business and share election results.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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What do I need to do if I am handicapped?

The annual meeting is drive-thru, so just stay in the comfort of your car. YEC employees will be there to help guide you through each step of the process to register and cast your vote.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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Will the annual meeting be held if it rains?

Yes – the annual meeting will be held, rain or shine.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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What is the 2022 registration gift?

Each member who attends the annual meeting and registers will receive a $20 power bill credit.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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Can I receive the registration gift and vote if I can’t come to the meeting?

Only members who attend the annual meeting, provide proper identification and their registration card are eligible to receive a registration gift, vote and be entered into the door prize drawing. To extend a greater opportunity for our members and to encourage participation, our meeting days and times have been extended to two days.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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Will there be any food or entertainment at the meeting?

In an effort to keep everyone safe in the ongoing pandemic, YEC will not host any entertainment or food vendors during the annual meeting.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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What are the grand prizes this year?

YEC has three grand prizes available to win at this year’s annual meeting. They include a 2013 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado pickup and (2) $500 power bill credits. Winners will be contacted on Monday following the annual meeting.

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What are the other door prizes?

All other door prizes will be announced during the virtual business meeting. Winners will be contacted on Monday following the annual meeting.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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When and where will the annual meeting be held?

The YEC annual meeting will be held at our main office, 1385 E. Alexander Love Hwy. on Friday, May 13 from 7 am-7 pm and on Saturday, May 14 from 7 am-1 pm. The virtual business meeting will be live online Saturday evening.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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How do I register?

All members of the cooperative are eligible to register with a valid photo ID and their registration card. The registration card will be mailed to members the first full week in April.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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Where are the door prizes given away?

The door prize winners, including the grand prize winners, will be announced during the virtual business meeting. All door prizes that can be mailed will be sent directly to winners. If your name is chosen we will contact you to provide you details about your prize on Monday following the annual meeting.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ
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What is considered a valid photo ID to be eligible to register and vote?

We accept 12 different forms of identification for members.

Category: Annual Meeting FAQ

York Electric Harvests the Sun in Fort Mill

In an effort to promote Green Power, YEC is working with Santee Cooper to have a visible solar installation constructed at its Fort Mill office located on Highway 21. The solar panels have a capacity of 8kW and cover 6 x 60 foot. If all goes well, the photovoltaic system will be completed by the end of March, 2014.

In an effort to promote Green Power, YEC is working with Santee Cooper to have a visible solar installation constructed at its Fort Mill office located on Highway 21. The solar panels have a capacity of 8kW and cover 6 x 60 foot. If all goes well, the photovoltaic system will be completed by Friday, March 14, 2014 YEC supports the use of a wide range of fuels for its electric power, reducing costs and keeping rates low. Electric cooperatives across the country are actively expanding their fuel portfolios to include an array of renewable sources, including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, manure and hydro.

Fort Mill Solar Panels FAQ

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What type of solar panels are they and where were they made?

They are Sharp panels and were made in Memphis, Tennessee.

Category: Fort Mill Solar Panels FAQ
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How much does 8Kw generate?

Approximately 50KWH per day (on good days). On a good day, the solar panels will be able to supply the Fort Mill office and also put extra on the grid. YEC is putting all the electricity generated back on the grid instead of tying it back to the office. The panels have the potential to generate approximately half of the office’s use for a year.

Category: Fort Mill Solar Panels FAQ
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How much did the project cost?

The projected cost, which Santee Cooper is providing with monies generated from Green Power, is $35,449.

Category: Fort Mill Solar Panels FAQ

Solar Power FAQ

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Is York Electric opposed to the development of solar energy?

Not at all. The sun’s energy is a great, clean resource which we should utilize.

Category: Solar Power FAQ
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When will solar energy be cost effective for the average residential member to install?

Every year the cost of solar energy systems decreases. Even with these decreases, the cost justification is heavily dependent upon government tax credits. Presently payback ranges between 9 and 12 years, but this could change drastically if incentives were to increase or decrease.

Category: Solar Power FAQ
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If my solar subscription produces more energy than I use, does YEC buy it back?

Yes! If your subscription produces more energy than your home consumes in one month, you will see a credit on your account, regardless of the amount.

Categories: Community Solar FAQ, Solar Power FAQ
 Related Links:

Solar Energy 
Solar Schools 
Green Power 
Renewable Energy 
South Carolina Solar Installations
Find a South Carolina Solar Installer
South Carolina Solar Council

Solar generation facility under construction

Paul Basha, YEC President & CEO
Paul Basha, President & CEO

At York Electric Cooperative, we’ve long taken an “all of the above” position when it comes to power generation. We recognize that, as the electricity industry is presently structured, there are three primary means of producing base-load power—coal, nuclear, and natural gas.

Renewables also play a part in the energy mix. The best-established form of renewables is hydro-power. During the last couple of decades, wind, solar and biomass have also gained prominence.

Pilot project

Recently, Santee Cooper, the state-owned electric utility that generates most of the electricity distributed by independent co-ops such as York Electric, announced plans to purchase the output from a three-megawatt solar farm in Colleton County, owned by T.I.G. Sun Energy. A total of 10,000 solar panels are being erected there. They will provide a means for Santee Cooper and South Carolina’s 20 electric cooperatives to analyze the reliability and cost-effectiveness of this form of energy production. This pilot project is expected to come on line early this year.

Both solar and wind have some inherent technical disadvantages. Essentially, the wind doesn’t blow, nor does the sun shine, all the time. This intermittency requires that backup base-load generators—usually fueled by natural gas—be poised to operate in the event that these renewables are not performing.

Because of their intermittent operation, the best apparent prospect for wind and solar to make a substantial contribution to electricity generation would be the development of a large and effective storage battery. Such a battery could store power generated when wind and solar units are operating. This stored energy could then be used during those peak-demand hours when the renewable units would typically be dormant.

Slow march

It’s likely to be a slow march until the time a suitable storage battery can be perfected. In the interim, the cooperatives and Santee Cooper will be learning all we can about solar energy and the possibilities it might hold.

One outcome we’ll take great pains to avoid: Our members won’t be expected to subsidize this or any other type of energy production. Both solar and wind must represent viable alternatives in order for York Electric to embrace them. Our hope is that advances in technology will bring that to pass.

As the New Year begins, York Electric’s focus continues to be on delivering safe, reliable service. The York Electric family of employees wishes you a happy and safe New Year and eagerly looks forward to being of service to you. We’re always looking out for you!

 

Paul Basha

Paul Basha
President and Chief Executive Officer

Related Links:

YEC Participates in Pilot Program  

[PDF] Solar Interconnection Agreement

 

Interconnection Agreement For Small Generation Less Than 100 kW (SC)

 

This agreement applies to parallel interconnection of non-utility owned single phase small generation systems which are rated at 20 kW or less for residential members and 100 kW or less for nonresidential members.

[PDF] Standard for Solar Interconnection

 

Standard for Interconnecting Small Generation 100 kW or Less with Electric Power Systems (EPS)

 

This Standard contains the requirements, in addition to applicable tariffs and service regulations, for parallel interconnection of non-utility owned single phase small generation systems which are rated at 20 kW or less for residential members and 100 kW or less for nonresidential members.