 What is green power?
Green power is electricity generated by renewable resources like solar, wind, and even decomposing garbage in selected landfills. These resources are replenished naturally and minimize harm to the environment.
Why does Santee Electric participate in the Green Power Program?
Santee Electric decided to participate in the Green Power Program in response to increased customer interest in renewable energy and concern for the environment. By taking this initial step to meet and encourage the growing demand for renewable energy, we can help reduce the reliance on limited resources while improving and preserving the environment for future generations.
How does the Green Power Program help better the environment?
Renewable resources replace themselves naturally so they produce little or no air pollutants or waste. Landfill gas is the only renewable energy source that, when used, actually removes pollution from the atmosphere. At full capacity, the 3.3 megawatt plant has the same positive environmental impact as planting more than 21,000 acres of trees, enough to cover an area of almost 33 square miles.
What is landfill gas and how is it renewable?
Waste put into landfills decomposes over time. Landfill gas is the product of this process, which is made up of different components. Methane is one of these and is the most valuable as a fuel. This gas is considered to be renewable because it is produced through natural decomposition of organic materials.
How does renewable energy differ from other energy sources?
Today, the majority of electricity is generated by using fossil fuels that have a finite supply. Renewable resources, such as the sun, wind, and decomposing garbage provides a regenerating fuel source for electricity. Using renewable resources to produce electricity will help reduce the need to use conventional generators powered by fossil fuels.
Where does the electricity for the Green Power Program come from?
The renewable energy source is methane gas produced at the Horry County Solid Waste Authority Landfill. The generators are located on a non-active part of the landfill. The methane gas from the decomposing garbage will power three 1,400 horsepower engines that turn turbines that produce 3.3 megawatts of electricity.
Why does renewable energy cost more?
Facilities that use renewable resources to generate electricity are currently expensive to build and operate. Increased customer demand for renewable energy will lead to further development of renewable technologies like wind, solar, and decomposing garbage.
If I purchase green power, will I notice a difference in my electric service?
No. You will not notice any difference in your electric service when you sign up for the Green Power Program. The renewable energy purchased by participants will be pooled with energy from conventional sources and will be delivered through the same power lines.
How is energy delivered to my home?
Electricity is the flow of electrons. These electrons flow through power lines from both the Green Power generators and conventional fossil fuel generators into a pool. Power lines carry these electrons from the pool to your home. It is impossible to guarantee that the electrons you receive at your electrical outlet came from the Green Power generators directly. However, your participation in this program is ensuring that electrons generated from renewable-resource generators are being added to this pool.
Where will my money go?
All revenues from the Green Power Program premiums will be reinvested in future development of additional renewable resources or facilities.
How much electricity will the landfill produce?
It depends on the size and age of the landfill, but production tends to range from three to eight megawatts. Generators at landfill-gas sites are very reliable and operate almost year-round with little downtime. So our 3.3 megawatt plant would produce approximately 21,000 (100 kiloWatt-hour) blocks per month, enough to supply approximately 9,300 homes.
How long will a landfill continue to produce gas?
The answer depends on the landfill's age and size. Although gas is produced once anaerobic conditions are established within the landfill, it may be several years before there's enough gas to fuel an electric generator. Later, as the site ages, gas production (as well as the quality of the gas) declines to the point at which power generation is no longer economical. In the case of a typical well-engineered and well-operated landfill, gas may be produced for as long as 50 to 100 years, but using this to fuel generators may be economically feasible for only 10 to 15 years.
Does burning landfill gas have other benefits?
If methane is released directly into the atmosphere, it is a potent greenhouse gas. In fact, its global-warming potential is 21 times greater than that of carbon dioxide. Landfill gas can be flared (the simplest option), but using it to generate energy encourages more efficient collection and thereby reduces emissions into the atmosphere. For this reason, energy recovery from landfill methane, where economically viable, is of considerable benefit to the environment. Landfill gas is the only renewable energy source that, when used, actually removes pollution from the atmosphere.
How much will my participation in the Green Power Program cost?
Your cost will vary depending how many blocks you choose to buy. each block purchased will add an extra $3 to your monthly electric bill. For residential customers, rates are:
$3 per monmth for 1 block Level 1 (100 kWh)
$6 per month for 2 blocks (200 kWh)
$9 per month for 3 blocks (300 kWh)
You can also purchase any number of blocks for $3 each.
Participation in Green Power is Voluntary by Aiken Electric Cooperative and its members. A member may discontinue participation in Green Power at any time. Aiken Electric may alter, amend, or end Green Power at any time.
How do I enroll as a participant in the Green Power Program?
Enrolling is easy. There are a number of ways: enroll online here, call us at (843) 355-6187, or visit your local customer service office. Your participation will show on your electric bill within one or two months.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a statement by an independent third party that our green power product meets certain criteria for environmental benefits, and that these criteria were developed by regional stakeholders inclduing utilities and environmental organizations. In this case, the accrediting organization is the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) based in San Francisco.
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