Add "Green" to your power this Spring. April is open enrollment time for Cuivre River members who wish to "green up" their electricity. For an extra 2.5¢ per kilowatt-hour (kwh), members can order blocks of 100 kwhs of electricity generated in Missouri by wind or biomass. Enrollment includes a 12-month purchase commitment.
"Our wholesale power suppliers, Associated Electric Cooperative (AECI) and Central Electric Power Cooperative (CEPC), give us the opportunity to offer Green Power to members who want renewable energy," says Manager of Member Services Kevin Hurd. AECI has exclusive rights to purchase the energy output of the majority of turbines constructed on wind farms in northwest Missouri. CEPC operates a biomass-permitted plant in Chamois, Missouri.
"We're pleased to offer renewable energy, but it comes at a higher price," says Hurd. "We give members a choice," says Hurd, "and work to keep our wholesale power costs as low as possible for all of our members — especially as the cost of electricity produced by all fuel sources remains volatile." Cuivre River's Green Power program, which began in 2004, continues to grow modestly. Cuivre River members buy 44,800 kwhs of Green Power each month. Annual sales have increased to 537,600 kwhs.
Recent surveys show that many members like the idea of renewable energy, but may not want to pay more. In a 2010 member survey, 29% of respondents indicated a willingness to pay up to $15/month more to combat climate change. Purchasing Green Power could be part of that strategy. A single 100 kwh block costs an extra $30/year.
"We're often asked why Green Power is more expensive," says Hurd. A key reason: most renewable resources — especially large scale wind and solar energy applications — are not available on demand. They are more difficult and costly to convert into electricity for delivery to the power grid. In addition, power generated by these types of facilities must be backed by other generation resources to maintain a steady, reliable power supply.
Although all kwhs look the same once they enter the transmission network, when Cuivre River members purchase Green Power, energy generated from renewable resources is actually delivered to the utility grid for them. "We cannot guarantee that electrons which leave a wind farm or biomass plant are delivered to your meter. We can guarantee that the amount you order will be delivered onto our power grid for you," says Hurd.
Members who wish to take advantage of the April open enrollment should place their order by April 22. "Our suppliers require three months' advance notice," Hurd adds. New participants will begin receiving their Green Power July 1, and for the next 12 months. The cost, an extra $2.50 per 100 kwh block, will begin to appear on your July or August electric bill. Multiple blocks are available.
To order Green Power use the enrollment form below. You can also call Hurd at 800.392.3709, ext. 231, or e-mail khurd@cuivre.com.
What Is Green Power?
The science of generating electricity using nature's own energy gives us Green Power. Green refers to large-scale renewable resources for electricity generation that have a low impact on our environment. Continuously replenished energy sources include: wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower and solar.
Wind. Elevated turbines generate electricity in places where the wind blows steadily between 15-30 mph. Want to learn more about wind projects currently under construction here in Missouri. Click here...
Geothermal. The interior heat energy of the Earth is harvested at hot springs and volcanic faults.
Biomass (or Biogas). Surplus plant matter and some industrial wastes can be burned to generate electricity. Also, methane gas from animal wastes and landfills is used to fuel generation.
Hydropower. Hydroelectric generators create electricity using water from reservoirs, lakes or rivers.
Solar. Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electrical energy.
Physics and Geography result in higher costs for Green Power generation and transmission. Fossil fuels release more energy in a given time period than renewable sources. "Green" generating plants are often located in remote areas, requiring the building of expensive high-voltage transmission lines to the location.
If you wish to purchase Green Power, Cuivre River Electric Cooperative can purchase a portion of your power from regional wind and biomass projects for just a few cents more per kilowatt-hour (kwh). A small, monthly charge would appear on your bill to cover the added cost. Green Power is available in blocks of 100 kwh, and requires a 12-month commitment.
Energy derived from green sources is not specifically delivered to members who choose it, but to the power grid. Every kilowatt-hour produced from green energy resources offsets power that would be produced using traditional generation sources.