Twin OG&E solar farms now operational, bringing renewable power to Chickasaw, Choctaw Nations
Both the Chickasaw Nation and Choctaw Nation gained an influx of renewable energy this week, as two solar energy farms built by OG&E were brought into full operation.
This provides the region of southeast Oklahoma with 5 MW of solar power per farm, approximately half of which has been purchased by the tribes through OG&E’s solar tariff. The rest will be open to any interested customers. OG&E will retain ownership and operation of the Chickasaw Nation Solar Farm and the Choctaw Nation Solar Farm.
“We are grateful for our relationships with the Chickasaw Nation and Choctaw Nation and for their collaboration in bringing the benefits of solar energy to our Oklahoma communities,” Sean Trauschke, president and CEO of OGE Energy Corp, said. “All of the output of these two farms is now fully subscribed. We look forward to adding additional projects as customer demand grows.”
Plans for the facilities have been underway since February, when OG&E announced they would be built in Davis and Durant, Okla., respectively. Each sprawls across approximately 35 acres of land to support 15,344 solar panels, which produce enough power to provide for 1,785 homes.
“When I look at these new solar farms, I see the future,” Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation, said. “The Choctaw Nation has thousands of years of experience living off the land in a sustainable way, and, to us, this is a natural and welcome development. By living more sustainably, we can be good stewards of the environment and still live comfortably.”
Batton’s hopes were echoed by Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, who hailed the shared commitment to innovations among natural resource stewardship.
“This innovative renewable energy project is a significant early step in our efforts to help support a more sustainable energy infrastructure,” Anoatubby said. “It is important we continue working together to manage our resources wisely to help ensure both a thriving natural environment and a strong economy for generations to come.”
