May 25, 2016
By Paragon News Director Paul Joseph –
An area electric cooperative is exploring geothermal energy options for its members, an idea that may save a lot of money.
As a member-owned cooperative, Northfork Electric Cooperative is always looking for ways to help members. In doing so, the coop has signed a new contract with Geo-Energy Services to provide third-party expertise to the coop’s existing geothermal heat pump program.
According to Tyson Taussig, Northfork Electric Coop’s Utility Program Manager, GES will be implementing a plan to help members install geothermal heat pumps in their homes.
Taussig says Geo-Energy Services isn’t selling geothermal heat pumps and remain unbiased towards any brand or particular company, but will provide independent expertise on the technology for coop members.
Taussig says he’s found Western Oklahoman’s have been receptive to the new energy option.
A geothermal heat pump is a lot like the heat pumps in many houses now, but these new ones are ground source instead of air source. Taussig says ground source, geothermal heat pumps are just a better way to heat and cool a home. He says they work like other heating and cooling systems with thermostats and fans, but they don’t need natural gas or propane, they’re quiet and extremely reliable, plus they save a great deal of money by using much less electricity during peak times.
Taussig and his associates are actively spreading the word that geothermal is the way to go in the future.
Taussig says the new ground source systems work by pairing the heating and cooling system with a series of ground loops that extend down into the ground. That’s where the earth has a nice stable temperature and it provides a way to keep the home comfortable throughout the year.
His primary concern, obviously, is for Northfork members but says, the new technology is a great option for any energy partners and should be available no matter where one gets their power.
Taussig says there’s a number of high quality, geothermal installers from which to choose in Western Oklahoma.
Because of the future savings potential for their members, Northfork Electric Cooperative is assisting with a large portion of the upfront cost to install the system by paying a direct rebate to their members of $1-thousand-50-dollars per ton installed. Along with the 30 percent federal tax credit, Taussig says a new geothermal heat pump is very affordable.
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