Pedernales Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors voted during its Aug. 20 Board meeting to amend and clarify the Co-op’s renewable energy goal, committing to achieve 30 percent of the Co-op’s energy supply from renewable sources by 2020.

The Board also approved a resolution that more clearly defines PEC’s energy efficiency goal of annual reductions of 20 percent of demand growth through energy efficiency and demand management programs.

The votes come after more than a year of discussion, workshops, and input of members through forums and surveys.

The Board of Directors conducted workshops and forums and solicited comments from members on proposed goal revisions. In addition, the Cooperative also conducted a survey of members and their opinions on energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and cost acceptance.

Chief Executive Officer RB Sloan said that the Board and management considered members’ views on energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and cost. “We worked to strike a balance between being a good steward of natural resources while trying to keep costs reasonable,” Sloan said. “We don’t foresee any immediate effect on costs to our members.”

The Board’s vote more clearly defines the renewable energy goal set in 2008. Last year, PEC obtained 21 percent of its capacity from renewable resources through its contract with Lower Colorado River Authority and separate wind contracts.

To meet its energy efficiency goal, PEC will look at expanding existing programs and implementing new ones that promote efficiency and reduce demand for electricity. Last year, PEC spent $1.9 million for educational efforts and rebates related to energy efficiency and demand management initiatives.

The next regular Board meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Sept. 17 at PEC’s E. Babe Smith Headquarters Building in Johnson City.