POWERGRAMS

SOLARDARITY BY MICHAEL SZNAJDERMAN 9 Alabama Power's support of the U.S. military can be traced to the company's earliest days, from selling the government a major asset for $1 in 1918, to employee-soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice in war, to earning Pentagon accolades for improving energy efficiency on Alabama bases. This longtime commitment to serving those who defend our nation continues as Alabama Power moves forward with the development of solar generation projects at the Anniston Army Depot and Fort Rucker. The photovoltaic solar panels are slated to be operating this year. The two projects, which will be owned by Alabama Power, are expected to produce a combined 20 megawatts. That's roughly the amount of energy needed for 4,200 homes. "We're proud to be working with the Army to support the Anniston Army Depot and Fort Rucker, to help them meet their goals," said Vice President of Marketing Tony Smoke. Smoke said the projects benefit Alabama Power customers due, in large part, to the company securing long-term power contracts with the military installations. "Fort Rucker and the Anniston Army Depot are not only important customers for Alabama Power. They are important to Alabama and to Alabama's economy," Smoke said. "These projects help support the military's goals while also providing benefits for all our customers." The systems at Anniston and Fort Rucker involve a series of networked solar arrays, which draw energy from the sun and convert it to usable power. The energy generated by the projects will flow back into the Alabama Power grid as part of the company's generation portfolio. Alabama Power plans to retain the rights to the energy and the renewable energy credits from the projects to serve its customers, including the Army, with renewable energy, or to sell to third parties for the benefit of all customers. The two solar projects were the first approved by the Alabama Public Service Commission under a new program that gives Alabama Power the flexibility to secure up to 500 megawatts of renewable generation over the next six years. The plan also garnered the approval of independent groups such as the Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy (PACE). "Helping to solidify the future of important military bases – wherever they are – as part of a comprehensive renewable energy effort is clearly a good thing," PACE Executive Director Lance Brown wrote. "The fact that these innovative projects will not affect the customer base at large makes this news even more of a win-win for all involved." Fort Rucker houses the U.S. Army's aviation training base and employs 14,000 people. Anniston Army Depot employs more than 4,000 people. In addition to their national security significance, Brown said, they are important economic development engines for their communities. Through the new renewables program, Alabama Power can work directly with customers who are interested in supporting the development of new renewable generation projects, while protecting Alabama Power's broader customer base from any additional costs related to renewables. Panels will produce a combined 20 megawatts at Anniston and Fort Rucker. COMPANY WORKS TO MAKE MILITARY MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT

• Cover