Northeastern REMC is adding the Hatch Road solar generation project to help reduce the need to purchase electricity from the grid at peak demand, which can be expensive and contribute to grid instability. The solar generation facility will work in conjunction with our utility-scale battery installations and peak thermostat program to lower our overall peak usage to further stabilize rates. It is important to note that the proximity of a solar farm does not directly impact the flow of electricity to the member's home. Electricity is transmitted through the grid, and the grid is designed to distribute electricity to customers regardless of where it is generated.

So, even if a member's home is not located near the solar farm, they can still benefit from the electricity that the solar farm produces. The Hatch Road solar farm will be capable of producing a portion of the cooperative's summertime peak electricity needs which will help to offset the cost of purchasing electricity from the grid when it's the most expensive. It will also generate clean, renewable energy off-peak times to help lower our wholesale power bill year-round. 

Don't worry. The facility is safe and will not produce air emissions or chemicals. After construction is complete, there will be very limited traffic to the new site. The solar cells do not make noise while capturing the sun's power, but there can be a hum when the electricity is converted to energy to be used, but you would have to be within a few feet of the panels to notice it. The physical layout was created to reduce any noise.