Ottawa reviews energy agreements with Marshall Wind Farm and GRDA for capacity needs

During the Ottawa City Commission meeting held on February 26, 2025, city officials discussed critical energy agreements and capacity requirements that will shape Ottawa's energy landscape in the coming years. The meeting highlighted the city's reliance on various energy sources, including wind and natural gas, and the importance of maintaining adequate capacity to meet growing demand.

One of the primary topics was the city's agreements with renewable energy providers. Ottawa currently allocates 2.5 megawatts from the Marshall Wind Farm, a 72-megawatt facility in Marshall County, with the agreement set to expire in 2036. Additionally, the city draws 8 megawatts from the Buckeye Wind Energy Center in Ellis County, which has been operational since 2015 and will see its agreement expire in 2033. These wind energy sources are crucial as the city aims to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The discussion also included the Dogwood Energy Facility, a 650-megawatt natural gas-fired plant in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, from which Ottawa owns 5.2 megawatts. This facility's unique design allows for flexibility in energy generation, ensuring that the city can maintain power even if one of the turbines experiences issues.

Another significant point of discussion was the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA), a public power provider in Oklahoma. Ottawa allocates 12 megawatts from GRDA during the summer months and a minimum of 9 megawatts during the fall and spring. The current agreement with GRDA is set to expire in 2026, and city officials noted the need to renew this contract by March 31, 2025. GRDA's commitment to phasing out coal from its energy portfolio aligns with Ottawa's goals for sustainable energy sourcing.

The meeting also addressed Ottawa's capacity requirements, which are projected to increase due to rising energy demands. The city must ensure it has enough capacity to cover peak demand plus a safety margin, which is set to rise from 15% to 17% by 2029. Currently, Ottawa's capacity stands at 41.87 megawatts, with generation accounting for 43% of its needed capacity. City officials emphasized the importance of maintaining reliable energy generation, particularly during critical summer and winter months.

In conclusion, the discussions at the Ottawa City Commission meeting underscored the city's proactive approach to energy management and sustainability. As Ottawa prepares to renew key energy agreements and adapt to increasing capacity needs, the decisions made in the coming months will significantly impact the city's energy future and its commitment to renewable resources.