Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

CIN Admin
CIN Admin
  • Updated
Resource Type Website
Author / Source Better Buildings & Better Plants, U.S. DOE
Publication Date 2024
Location United States
Initiative Type Policy, Program
Project Complexity Intermediate
Recommended For Board, Staff

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Estimated reading time: 15 minutes


Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops

Power purchase agreements (PPAs) are a widely used financing mechanism that allows organizations to procure electricity from third-party-owned generation without upfront capital investment. For rural electric cooperatives, PPAs can support renewable energy deployment, enable partnerships with developers, and provide long-term price stability for members. Understanding how PPAs allocate risk, cost, and ownership can help co-ops evaluate opportunities to expand generation portfolios while managing affordability and financial risk.


Key Takeaways

› PPAs allow utilities and organizations to procure energy from third-party-owned projects without upfront capital costs.
› Long-term contracts can provide price certainty and reduce exposure to fuel cost volatility.
› PPAs can accelerate deployment of renewable energy and distributed generation resources.
› Contract structure determines allocation of performance risk, pricing, and operational responsibilities.

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Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

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