Green Power Program — It's Voluntary
Since 1998, Tri-State has provided the opportunity for consumers of its 44 member cooperatives to participate in the Green Power Program. As a power provider, Tri-State offers renewable resource energy to end-use consumers through a voluntary sign-up program with its member cooperatives, in addition to buying renewable resources for its own energy mix. Tri-State fulfills these subscriptions from purchases on the open market through a system of green tags that are derived from energy produced by wind, solar, small hydroelectric and biomass projects.
Since the program's inception, Tri-State charged a nominal monthly premium on every 100 kilowatt-hour block per month of green power. Beginning in 2008, the premium was greatly reduced to begin tracking actual renewable energy credits market conditions. This voluntary program will continue for those who wish to purchase power generated from renewable sources.
By contacting Empire Electric, homeowners and businesses can buy green power at an additional, minimal monthly fee and support the continued development of renewable energy resources. Call 970-565-4444 or 800-709-3726 to sign up for the Green Power Program. You choose the number of blocks based on your actual average monthly usage. This amount is then reflected on your electric bill as an additional line item.
The following businesses are part of Empire Electric's voluntary Green Power Program and are now 100% green:
- Southwest Seed
- Osprey Backpacks
- La Plata Archeology Consulting
- Four Corners Free Press
- Cliffrose, LLC
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- William B. Love Appraisals
- First National Bank
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Cortez Family Acupunture, Inc.
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In 2013, the rate for each 100 kWh block purchased by Empire Electric from Tri-State is $0.09.
As an example, let's use the current rate of $0.09 per 100 kWh block and the average monthly electric usage of 672 kWhs for a residential customer on Empire Electric's system. If the customer wishes to be 100 percent green; the customer will pay $0.54 each month for the six (6) green power blocks of 100/kWhs @ $0.09 each or (6 x $0.09 = $0.54).
To learn more about this program and the different types of renewable energy, visit Tri-State's site www.tristategt.org/greenpower.
View a .pdf brochure about EEA's Green Power Program
