Northwest Rural Offers Green Power Program
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. a wholesale electric supplier to Northwest Rural, has provided the opportunity for consumers to participate in a renewable energy program. By contacting Northwest Rural, you can buy green power at an additional, minimal monthly fee, and support the continued development of renewable energy resources.
Northwest Rural offers a program where customers may purchase 100 kilowatt hour blocks of renewable energy at a premium of $1.25 per month, per block. This money helps fund the development and construction of renewable facilities, such as wind, solar, biomass and small hydroelectric.
For now, in most instances commercial power is still needed when the alternative source of energy is not available, thus doubling the energy producing infrastructure, such as when the wind is not blowing or at night when the sun is not shining.
Alternative energy is generally defined as any power source that is not based on fossil fuels or nuclear reactions. That includes electricity generated from wind, solar, geothermal, biomass or plant matter, and new hydro power.
Despite rapidly climbing prices for natural gas and oil, the outlook for a big breakthrough in the widespread use of solar, wind and other alternative sources of power are not yet competitive on the price front for everyday users. It only works with the help of government subsidies or good corporate citizens who are willing to pay a premium so they can market themselves as being "green." Most alternative sources of energy continue to rely on government-related subsidies to be economical and will be difficult to expand without such help.
Tax incentives in the Stimulus Act of 2009 are providing a short-term boost to some renewable energy projects, including wind. But that boost may be too small to finance long-term options.
When and if the percentage of energy provided by alternative sources grows depends on many variables including technology and efficiency improvements, government financial support and state and federal energy policies.
Northwest Rural constantly monitors the economic feasibility of renewable resources. Should we find something beneficial, Northwest Rural will bring it to our customers’ attention, such as the use of (PV) solar systems for stock watering to prevent the building or replacement of long electrical lines.
Customers interested in purchasing renewable energy are encouraged to contact Northwest Rural @ 638-4445 or toll free @ 800-847-0492.