Powerlines
Overhead power lines used in transmitting electricity to coal bed methane wells have definitely increased the reach of electricity in the Powder River Basin. However there are miles and miles of lines that exist solely to serve one methane well miles from any other power need. Powder River Energy Corporation (PRECorp) would like to remove as many of these new lines as possible when the coal bed methane fields shut down. These overhead lines make great perches for predatory birds, which can be harmful to sage-grouse. These lines also make it more difficult for PRECorp to locate problems on the line and, as a rural cooperative, any additional capital outlay and maintenance costs simply make all of our power more expensive. When we look at the natural sagebrush habitat in the High Plains we see that there are few trees, and these only exist near the waters edge where cover would have been more dense. With modern developments, including fences and particularly tall structures like windmills and overhead power lines, we have provided great hunting perches for predatory birds and potentially created a disadvantage for sage-grouse.
If you would like to maintain an overhead power line on your property make sure you get with PRECorp early and let them know as soon as possible. Depending on the company operating your field you may need to make arrangements with PRECorp before the field is shut in. In some cases it can be as simple as getting the meter transferred to you. But often you will need to have another meter installed because the existing power may be 3 phase, which is a more costly service to maintain, though it is more efficient for a well pump. A new meter install will likely run $500-800. The annual minimum cost of a stock water meter is $270 even if you never turn the well on. Another option for those who would like to keep the potential for a service without a meter on the site, is the line retention rate of $15/month, or $180/year. A complete list of rates is available at the Powder River Energy Corporation website precorp.coop. Simply search under the residential or commercial/industrial tabs for the correct rate information or call them at 800 442-3630.
Solar power can be a very good alternative source of power. Solar pumping plants are most cost effective when water is not being lifted too high. On a 900 foot well with the pump at 500 feet, solar may not be a feasible option, but there are many solar configurations and these systems are getting better all the time. There are cost sharing and discount buying programs through the USDA NRCS and PRECorp that can help cover the cost of a solar pumping plant for qualified projects.
If you would like to maintain an overhead power line on your property make sure you get with PRECorp early and let them know as soon as possible. Depending on the company operating your field you may need to make arrangements with PRECorp before the field is shut in. In some cases it can be as simple as getting the meter transferred to you. But often you will need to have another meter installed because the existing power may be 3 phase, which is a more costly service to maintain, though it is more efficient for a well pump. A new meter install will likely run $500-800. The annual minimum cost of a stock water meter is $270 even if you never turn the well on. Another option for those who would like to keep the potential for a service without a meter on the site, is the line retention rate of $15/month, or $180/year. A complete list of rates is available at the Powder River Energy Corporation website precorp.coop. Simply search under the residential or commercial/industrial tabs for the correct rate information or call them at 800 442-3630.
Solar power can be a very good alternative source of power. Solar pumping plants are most cost effective when water is not being lifted too high. On a 900 foot well with the pump at 500 feet, solar may not be a feasible option, but there are many solar configurations and these systems are getting better all the time. There are cost sharing and discount buying programs through the USDA NRCS and PRECorp that can help cover the cost of a solar pumping plant for qualified projects.
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