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What are Independent Power Producers?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 15,973
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Independent power producers (IPPs) are companies which produce electricity for sale to public utilities. An IPP is not a public utility, instead focusing on the generation of electricity, not the transmission of it. Some may sell to end users, depending on the energy policies and industry norms in the areas where they operate. It is not uncommon for independent power producers to pool their resources in a collective organization which is designed to help them negotiate the best prices with the utilities they sell to.

The prevalence of independent power producers varies around the world. In some nations, they are very common, and include private companies, cooperatives, and industrial facilities which sell excess power to the utilities they work with. It other regions, they are more rare, and operate on a smaller level. Some associations of producers focus on small regions, while others may span continents. Many are growing all the time by adding new facilities and services to their roster.

Also known as a non-utility generator (NUG), an independent power producer usually does not have transmission facilities. It can generate power using a variety of methods, but it must lease transmission facilities from a public utility, or the utility may construct transmission facilities and maintain them as part of the sales contract with the power producer. These companies generally have contracts with the utility or utilities they work with which spell out how much power they must generate, at what rate, and so on.

For utilities, buying power at wholesale prices through IPPs and reselling it to consumers can be cheaper than generating the power, maintaining a plant, and getting new plants online. It can also allow utilities to adjust their output to meet changing consumer needs, thereby avoiding blackouts and other problems. Independent power producers can supplement the grid to ensure that enough energy will always be available, even during periods of high demand or periods when generation facilities are forced to go offline for maintenance and other reasons.

The sale of electric power by independent power producers may be overseen by the government, which can regulate the rates at which power is sold in addition to regulating safety to confirm that these facilities do not operate in a dangerous way. In areas where electricity is not subject to government regulation, independent power producers point out that the competition generated by multiple producers helps to keep prices affordable for end users.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a About Mechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon980099 — On Dec 02, 2014

How is the power transmitted?

By anon943897 — On Apr 04, 2014

How do you evaluate IPP bids?

By Babalaas — On May 04, 2011

@Amphibious54- Investing in independent power producers can be very profitable. My grandfather made a lot of money investing in a wind turbine farm in California. He invested in the farm back in the 80s and it has been generating revenue to this day. He is dead, but the funds still go to his foundation. I would not mind investing in this type of project myself.

By Amphibious54 — On May 03, 2011

@Submariner- Before investing in a renewable energy project, it may be best to study the project and calculate your risks. A successful renewable energy project depends on a number of factors like permitting and siting (probably the most critical factor) and whether a power purchase agreement can be secured.

Renewable energy investments can be a bit of a risk because many of the tax credits and grants are not permanent. If a project runs into delays, it can stall completely because large investors become scared the project will not find funding. You can end up losing money in a poorly planned renewable energy investment.

By submariner — On May 02, 2011

Independent power plants can be a great investment idea for those who are green minded and looking to invest in alternative energy. I have read about a number of community wind projects that allowed average people to invest in an energy product with great returns.

A number of energy developers projects that offer local ownership and stake in the company. Most energy projects need a large tax liability to qualify for certain energy production tax credits, but a smaller project made up of local, rural investors can qualify for a number of USDA rural development grants, making their electricity competitive with other sources.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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