At San Patricio Electric Cooperative, we recognize that many of our members want to use more renewable energy resources to power their homes. We also know that an expensive solar array isn’t for everyone. In response, we’ve created a renewable energy rate to meet the needs of our environmentally conscious members.
When you sign up for this rate, 100% of the electricity billed to you comes from solar and wind energy facilities.
Part of this renewable energy comes from a community solar project operated through our generation and transmission cooperative, South Texas Electric Cooperative. This project consists of four 945 kW single-axis tracking solar photovoltaic arrays split between STEC’s existing generation sites in Pearsall and Edinburg.
STEC also has power purchase agreements for wind energy from two wind facilities located in Kennedy and Webb counties.
SPEC's standard energy rate for electricity consists of just under 15% renewable energy. However, this renewable energy rate will allow you to ensure 100% of your electricity comes from renewable resources.
What is the cost?
You can go green for an extra 2 cents per kWh above SPEC’s standard residential electricity rate. For members that use 1,000 kWh, that translates to $20 extra per month. This added cost is based on the price SPEC pays to purchase renewable energy from STEC.
Why choose a renewable energy rate?
Although the cost of solar panels has decreased significantly over the years, the price to produce solar energy is still higher than your regular electricity rate. If you’re looking to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, a renewable energy rate may be the most cost-effective way to use cleaner energy.
Since 2016, we’ve been collecting data from the solar array on the roof of our office in Sinton. Based on this data, our rooftop solar system is generating electricity at a cost of 16.73 cents per kWh. Over the same time period, our average residential rate for electricity was 10.55 cents per kWh. Even at a cost of 2 cents more per kWh, our renewable energy rate still keeps the cost of renewable energy lower than you could generate it yourself.
Aside from the cost, not every home is suited for a distributed energy system like solar. In nearly half of housing arrangements, consumers are not able to install their own solar system. For example, you may rent your home, or your roof may be too shaded or not strong enough to support a solar array. In these instances, it may make more sense to opt into a renewable energy rate. That way you can still use green energy, regardless of your housing circumstances.
Another thing to consider is the time commitment of installing your own renewable energy system. When you install a solar system at your home, you may enter into a lease or financing agreement for as many as 20 years. That could create challenges if you ever decide to sell your home. Under our renewable rate, we simply ask that you commit to the rate for a period of at least 12-months. Otherwise, an early termination fee of $25 may apply.
Please contact us if you’re interested in signing up for our 100% renewable energy rate at 361-364-2220.