Renewable energy has been part of the power supply Colorado electric co-ops since their inception, with the first electricity coming from hydroelectric dams. However, since 1968, the co-ops’ power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission has offered co-ops the opportunity to provide their members with a way to further support the generation of electricity from renewable resources through a Green Power program.
The Green Power is provided through Tri-State’s purchases of green tags derived from energy generated by wind, solar, small hydro and biomass projects. It is made available to the co-ops and their members on a voluntary basis.
Y-W Electric in Akron is just one of the Colorado electric co-ops taking advantage of this program for its members. Each month, in its member newsletter, Y-W Electric reminds its members that the Green Power program is available.
Members may sign up for a set amount of this renewable resource power in 100-kilowatt-hour per month increments. There is a small premium of 9 cents per 100-kWh block in addition to the present rate.
Electric co-op members across Colorado have participated in this Green Power program at Y-W and at the state’s other electric co-op since it was introduced in 1998. The popularity of the program has grown in the last few years and, as renewable energy costs have come down, the additional cost for the program has also come down.