Alabama Power is partnering with The Westervelt Company to add renewable biomass-based energy to the company’s diverse mix of fuel sources. The agreement to provide Alabama Power with about 7 megawatts of renewable  generating capacity was approved this week by the Alabama Public Service Commission.
 
“This partnership with our customer, Westervelt, has a lot of very positive aspects,” said John Kelley, Alabama Power’s director of Forecasting and Resource Planning. “The agreement is good for both companies, good for the environment, and good for the economy of west Alabama.”

“We are very excited to launch our first renewable energy project,” said Alicia Cramer, vice president of Business Development at The Westervelt Company.
“With abundant biomass resources in Alabama, we hope this is one of several projects incorporating wood and related byproducts as an alternative energy source.”

Westervelt will be using wood byproducts from its Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)-Chain of Custody Certified lumber production facility in Moundville and from other sources to produce the renewable energy. Westervelt will provide the renewable energy for use by Alabama Power customers. Biomass is one of the most promising sources of renewable energy in the Southeast, where wind power is extremely limited and solar power continues to be cost-prohibitive compared to other areas of the country.

The long-term contract with Westervelt provides competitively priced renewable energy that will translate into savings for Alabama Power customers.

“Alabama Power is always looking for better and more environmentally friendly ways to produce reliable, cost-effective power for our customers, including alternative and renewable energy,” Kelley said. “In addition, we work with our customers to help them save money by making their homes and businesses more energy-efficient.”  

The annual biomass energy production from the Westervelt plant is enough to supply the electricity needs of more than 3,000 residential customers. In addition to renewable biomass, Alabama Power uses coal, natural gas, hydro facilities and nuclear energy to produce power. Having access to a mix of fuel sources helps the company manage fluctuations in fuel prices and keep costs down for customers. 

Alabama Power is reviewing other potential sources for alternative and renewable energy that are cost-effective for customers.   

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), provides electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state. To learn more about Alabama Power’s environmental initiatives, please visit www.alabamapower.com.

The Westervelt Company is a land resource organization committed to land stewardship and managing its resources for future generations. The company operates in multiple arenas and industries including SFI-certified timber and natural resources, SFI-Chain of Custody Certified Southern yellow pine lumber, residential real estate, outdoor sporting lodges, wildlife management, ecological restoration and geographic information services. To learn more, visit www.westervelt.com.

Media contact: Michael Sznajderman 205-257-4155 or Robby Johnson 205-562-5445