Gas South and Cobb EMC Breaking Ground on Renewable Energy Project

“We’re committed to affordable, renewable energy and redefining what it means to be an energy expert,” said Peter Heintzelman, Cobb EMC president and CEO. “This project enables us to test the performance advantage and resiliency of solar panels and battery storage, which will benefit Cobb EMC members for decades to come. We’re proud to support sustainability efforts that make financial sense for all of our members.”

An estimated 1.85 MW of solar and 1 MW/4 MWh of battery storage is being added to the Cobb EMC campus to help power its operations. For perspective, that is enough energy to power approximately 200 homes for an entire year. This innovative method of renewable energy storage will also help the cooperative learn how to better support solar and battery projects for large customers. In April, Cobb EMC will add to the project and unveil three Smartflowers along Hwy 41, which can provide an additional 13,140 kWh of energy and afford the cooperative an approachable opportunity to educate the public about renewable energy.

This project is owned by Gas South for Cobb EMC to support future sustainable energy efforts for both companies. This arrangement provides Cobb EMC with the solar and battery output for 10 years and will enable Cobb EMC to share solar energy back to the grid during certain periods of time. “Together, we’re committed to renewable energy that will pave the way for a more sustainable future for our communities,” said Kevin Greiner, Gas South president and CEO. “As a subsidiary of Cobb EMC, we are excited to work with our parent company on this innovative project.”

The rooftop solar and energy storage solutions were developed by Creative Solar USA and Northern Reliability and are slated for completion by May 2020.

“The team at Creative Solar USA is proud to play a role in this important project, which will not only provide competitive renewable energy to the grid but serve as a learning tool for future projects,” said Russell Seifert, CEO of Creative Solar USA. “I founded this company to be a cutting-edge leader in our evolving energy market and this project is a standing example of our commitment to clean, economical electricity for our fellow Georgians.”

Cobb EMC is one of the first electric cooperatives in the nation to install battery storage and rooftop solar to power its operations. The cooperative recognizes that while renewable energy and battery storage will play a significant role in transitioning to a lower carbon future, consumers need guidance from their electricity providers. Along with Gas South, Cobb EMC stands ready to lead the change.

Cobb EMC’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is mirrored in the cooperative’s renewable energy portfolio. Cobb EMC currently offers Renewable Energy Credits to our members as part of our ongoing sustainability strategy.

Cobb EMC is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative. The company safely delivers reliable electricity to more than 200,000 residential and commercial consumers in Cobb, Bartow, Cherokee, Fulton, and Paulding counties. Cobb EMC is consistently recognized for low-cost, reliable power, a commitment to renewable energy and giving back to the communities it serves. Cobb EMC is one of the largest EMCs in the nation, and the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Gas South is a leading provider of natural gas in the Southeast. For more information, visit www.cobbemc.com.

Creative Solar USA is a Georgia-based, turn-key installer of innovative solar panel systems, dedicated to alternative energy solutions for your home or business. Since 2008 their NABCEP
certified installers have ensured our clients receive the highest quality solar energy systems in the industry. For more information, visit www.CreativeSolarUSA.com.

Northern Reliability (“NRI”), based in Waterbury, Vermont, is an engineering and technology firm that designs, procures, installs, and supports stand-alone electric power and energy storage systems for utilities and governments across the United States and abroad. NRI, whose team was formed in the early 1970’s, boasts over 1000 systems deployed around the globe on all seven continents and is likely the oldest operating engineering group in the storage sector. For more information, visit www.northernreliability.com.

Learn more about Gas South's sustainability efforts.

Photo by Pamela Dabrowa Photography