Monroe County Electric Co-operative has converted to Cooper Power Systems' Envirotemp FR3 fluid in its 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 its voltage regulators.

Monroe County joins Sacramento Municipal Utility District and Tipmont REMC as utilities that have made systemwide 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, U.S.

“The benefits of Envirotemp FR3 fluid correspond to issues that matter greatly to our constituency, including fire safety and environmental stewardship,” said Alan Wattles, president and CEO, Monroe County Electric Co-Op. “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 also have 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, Cooper Power's (www.cooperpower.com) 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 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.