Salt River Electric’s investment in hydroelectricity

As Earth Day approaches on April 22, the topic of renewable energy will most likely highlight the day. Renewable energy sources are something that co-ops, including Salt River Electric, have embraced over the years. Not only do our members have access to renewable energy programs like Cooperative Solar and Envirowatts, but Salt River actually has some skin in the renewable energy game.

Or water, if you will.

You might not know it, but Salt River Electric is a part owner of a hydroelectric facility. Located on the Kentucky River at the old Lock & Dam #7, the Mother Ann Lee Hydroelectric Station is owned by Lock 7 Hydro Partners, LLC, a 50/50 partnership between Salt River Electric and Shaker Landing Hydro Associates. The 2,040-kilowatt capacity facility, which was owned by Kentucky Utilities from 1928 until 1999, is home to three turbine-generators that use the flow of the Kentucky River to rotate the turbines, generating power.

Salt River’s journey with Lock No. 7 began back in 2005 when former Salt River CEO Larry Hicks was approached by three men: David Brown Kinloch, David Coyte and Robert Fairchild, about partnering with them to preserve Lock and Dam No. 7 and return it to operation. The facility, run by Kentucky Utilities for decades, was set to be decommissioned. Hicks was intrigued with their plan, and with the board’s approval, Salt River Electric came on board and helped create the Lock 7 Hydro Partners.

Under the partnership, Salt River Electric purchases power from the operation, meaning that a portion of our electricity is generated through renewable means. Yes, it may be a small operation on the Kentucky River, but it serves a purpose: Showing that Salt River is committed to utilizing renewable energy sources that work for our members.