St. Louis Area Electric Co-Operative Switches to Soy Oil-Based Transformer Fluid

WAUKESHA, Wis., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Power Systems today announced that Monroe County Electric Co-operative has converted to Envirotemp(R) FR3(TM) fluid in their pad-mount and overhead transformers. The first pad-mount units were installed over the past month. Future overhead transformers will be FR3-fluid filled. The utility is also proceeding with trial tests on their voltage regulators.

Monroe County joins Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and Tipmont REMC as utilities that have made system-wide commitments to soy-oil based dielectric fluid. The co-op's service area includes Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair counties, home to bedroom communities of St. Louis, Missouri.

"This changeover makes sense for us on a number of levels," said Alan Wattles, president/CEO, Monroe County Electric Co-Op. "The benefits of Envirotemp FR3 fluid correspond to issues that matter greatly to our constituency, including fire safety and environmental stewardship. The communities we service are growing rapidly, over three percent annually for the past eight years, and FR3 fluid allows us to run heavier loads through the current system without having to purchase additional equipment, keeping capital expenditure costs down."

Wattles added, "FR3 fluid comes from a renewable source that lessens our dependence on foreign oil. This decision supports the soybean farmer, both locally and across the nation. Soybean plays an important role in the agricultural landscape of Illinois and we're proud to do our part to keep it vital and strong."

Choptank Electric Co-operative in Maryland and Homeworks Tri-County Electric Co-op in Michigan have also incorporated Envirotemp FR3 fluid into their distribution systems. The United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff championed Monroe County's decision.

"The soybean checkoff continues to proudly support biobased energy solutions like Envirotemp FR3 fluid that create a best-case scenario for farmers and our rural neighbors," said Todd Allen, USB New Uses Committee Chair and a soybean farmer from Arkansas. "This transformer fluid is safe to the environment and is an efficient solution for co-ops that also creates a new market for U.S. soybeans. What better group to support soy-based technology than the rural cooperatives that supply energy to farmers across the country."

Each acre of soybeans produces enough oil for four overhead transformers. The U.S. transformer industry requires almost 75 million gallons a year for all new transformer installations - equivalent to 1.2 million acres of soybean production.

Manufactured from edible seed oils, Envirotemp FR3 fluid is a biodegradable dielectric fluid that has the highest flash/fire points in the industry. Envirotemp FR3 fluid is a Factory Mutual approved and Underwriters Laboratories(R) classified less-flammable fluid. It extends paper insulation life five to eight times, lowering life cycle costs. The increased insulation life translates to extended and enhanced transformer life, or the ability to carry higher loads during peak demand periods without leading to premature insulation failure. The enhanced performance allows utilities to manage their assets more profitably and forestall costly capital expenditures.

"Cooper Power Systems recognizes Monroe County as one of the leaders in the utility industry, balancing the needs of environmental stewardship, support for the agricultural community, fire safety, and performance in their selection of FR3 fluid," said Patrick McShane, product line manager, Cooper Power Systems.

Company Information

Cooper Power Systems is a subsidiary of Cooper Industries , a diversified worldwide manufacturer of products for the electrical, commercial and industrial markets. CPS manufactures distribution transformers, distribution switchgear, reclosers, capacitors, protective relays, voltage regulators, automated switches, cable accessories, surge arrestors, transformer components and dielectric fluids, fuses and tools and it provides engineering services for the electrical and industrial markets.

Contact: John Pepper 412-394-6603