East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA) is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that serves more than 35,000 members in 10 counties in east central Mississippi. EMEPA was founded in 1939 with the goal of providing reliable and affordable electricity to rural areas that were underserved by investor-owned utilities. Today, EMEPA is committed to providing its members with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while also promoting sustainable energy practices.

One of the ways that EMEPA is promoting sustainability is by developing renewable energy projects, particularly in the solar sector. Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. EMEPA recognizes the potential of solar energy to provide affordable and reliable electricity to its members, and has taken steps to develop solar projects in its service area.

EMEPA has partnered with several organizations to develop solar projects in its service area. In 2016, EMEPA partnered with Silicon Ranch Corporation, a leading developer, owner, and operator of solar energy plants, to build a 52 MW solar farm in Sumrall, Mississippi. The solar farm, which is one of the largest in the state, consists of more than 200,000 solar panels and can generate enough electricity to power more than 8,000 homes. EMEPA has a long-term power purchase agreement with Silicon Ranch to purchase the electricity generated by the solar farm.

In addition to the Sumrall solar farm, EMEPA has also developed smaller-scale solar projects in its service area. In 2015, EMEPA installed a 50 kW solar array at its headquarters in Meridian, Mississippi. The solar array, which consists of 200 solar panels, generates approximately 70,000 kWh of electricity per year, enough to power about six homes. EMEPA also installed a 20 kW solar array at its substation in DeKalb, Mississippi, in 2016. The solar array, which consists of 80 solar panels, generates approximately 28,000 kWh of electricity per year, enough to power about two homes.

EMEPA is committed to promoting sustainable energy practices not only through its own renewable energy projects, but also by encouraging its members to adopt energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies. EMEPA offers several programs and incentives to help its members reduce their energy consumption and switch to renewable energy sources.

One of the programs that EMEPA offers is the Energy Efficiency Loan Program. The program provides low-interest loans to EMEPA members who want to make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes or businesses, such as installing insulation, upgrading HVAC systems, or replacing windows and doors. The loans can be used to finance up to 100% of the cost of the upgrades, and the interest rates are lower than those of traditional loans.

EMEPA also offers a net metering program to its members who install renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or wind turbines, on their properties. Under the net metering program, EMEPA credits the member's account for any excess electricity generated by the renewable energy system that is fed back into the grid. The member can use these credits to offset their electricity bills.

In addition to these programs, EMEPA also offers educational resources to its members to help them understand the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency. EMEPA hosts workshops and seminars on topics such as solar energy, energy-efficient lighting, and home energy audits. The cooperative also provides online resources, such as energy calculators and energy-saving tips, to help members reduce their energy consumption and save money on their electricity bills.

EMEPA's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability has earned the cooperative several awards and recognitions. In 2017, EMEPA was recognized by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) for its leadership in promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. The cooperative was also recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal in 2016 as one of the state's "Top Energy Leaders" for its efforts to develop renewable energy projects and promote energy efficiency.

In conclusion, EMEPA is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that is committed to providing its members with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while also promoting sustainable energy practices. The cooperative has developed several renewable energy projects, particularly in the solar sector, and offers programs and incentives to help its members adopt energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies. EMEPA's commitment to sustainability has earned the cooperative several awards and recognitions, and serves as a model for other electric cooperatives and utilities across the country.