Owen County’s Ahrman to lead EKPC, utility looks to future after 80 years

WINCHESTER, Ky. (WTVQ) – Leaders of East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) reflected Tuesday on the successes of the past year and laid out their vision to confront the challenges of the future as they marked the electric cooperative’s 80th anniversary during the organization’s annual meeting.

The past year has been successful and productive for EKPC, despite the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Board Chairman Joe Spalding and President & CEO Anthony “Tony” Campbell.

“We have confronted and overcome challenges, while positioning EKPC to better meet the rapid changes happening in the energy industry,” Campbell said.

EKPC marked an important milestone in November when the Board approved the cooperative’s first sustainability plan. The plan establishes goals to ensure EKPC continues providing its 16 owner-member cooperatives with reliable, affordable and sustainable energy and related services far into the future.

Notably, the sustainability plan establishes targets for EKPC to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 35 percent by 2035 and increase energy from renewable sources 15 percent by 2035.

“This sustainability plan will help ensure that EKPC remains a vital resource to the owner-members for many years to come,” Spalding said.

As EKPC marks its 80th anniversary in 2021, Campbell noted, the sustainability plan will be an important tool for navigating challenges in years to come.

“EKPC has a bright future ahead for its next 80 years,” he said.

Throughout the past year, EKPC has kept important work and projects on track despite challenges posed by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

Employees and up to 900 contractors continued work on $262 million in projects to ensure EKPC’s largest power plant, Spurlock Station, remains in compliance with tightening federal environmental rules. At Bluegrass Station, crews added backup fuel capability, while employees at Cooper Station overhauled of one of the plant’s generating units.

Employees across the organization pitched in to complete work while preventing the spread of illness during the pandemic, Campbell said.

“Everybody stepped up their game to keep things on track and to keep everyone safe and healthy,” he said.

In January, COVID-19 claimed the life of EKPC employee Lance Jones, 57.

“Lance was a valued member of the EKPC family and his passing reminds us of the tragic toll the pandemic has had for many people,” Campbell said.

EKPC works closely with its 16 owner-member cooperatives to bring jobs and investment to the communities they serve in order to improve the quality of life in rural areas. During 2020, EKPC and its 16 owner-member cooperatives assisted on economic development projects that resulted in $735 million in investment and 3,200 new jobs in the areas served by the cooperatives.

Spalding, who represents Inter-County Energy Cooperative on EKPC’s Board, was stepping down as board chairman after reaching the five-year term limit for that office.

“It has truly been an honor to serve as your chairman for the past five years,” Spalding said. “The board supported me from the start. It is amazing what we can do when we are all rowing in the same direction.”

Alan Ahrman, who represents Owen Electric Cooperative, was elected EKPC’s board chairman for the coming year. Other board officers for the coming year include:

• Jody Hughes, Blue Grass Energy, was elected vice chairman;
• Randy Sexton, Farmers RECC, was elected secretary; and
• Landis Cornett, Jackson Energy Cooperative, was elected treasurer.