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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