"We're pleased to collaborate with these two great tribes to meet their renewable energy needs while growing the availability of universal solar energy on our system," said OGE Energy Chairman, President, and CEO Sean Trauschke. "In addition to serving tribal needs, these projects will offer the benefits of solar energy to all customers."
Both tribes will purchase approximately 50 percent of each farm's solar energy output through OG&E's solar tariff. The Chickasaw Nation - OG&E Solar Energy Center will be built in Davis, Oklahoma. The Choctaw Nation - OG&E Solar Energy Center will be built in Durant, Oklahoma. OG&E will construct, own, and operate both centers, which are expected to come online in August.
"We are pleased to work with OG&E on this innovative renewable energy project," said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. "This collaboration highlights the importance of working together to help sustain both a strong economy and a thriving natural environment for generations to come."
In 2015, OG&E became the first utility in Oklahoma to offer universal solar energy to customers with the construction of its first solar installation at Mustang Energy Center located in Mustang, Oklahoma. Universal solar provides customers the opportunity to add solar energy to their personal energy portfolios without paying for rooftop solar panels. In 2018, the company added approximately 10 MWs of universal solar energy from a solar energy center built near Covington, Oklahoma. With the addition of the two new solar facilities, OG&E's total solar energy capacity will be approximately 22.5 MWs, which is enough to power nearly 3,700 homes.
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"OG&E is among utility industry leaders in reducing its environmental footprint," Trauschke said. "We've lowered Sulphur dioxide emissions by more than 90 percent. We've lowered nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 75 percent. And we've lowered carbon dioxide emissions by more than 40 percent, all while keeping rates essentially flat since 2011, which demonstrates our commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy in an environmentally responsible way."
