Green power is electricity generated by sustainable resources such as solar, wind, and even decomposing garbage in selected landfills.  In all cases, green power minimizes harm to the environment.

Edisto Electric Cooperative and Santee Cooper are working together on 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 reliance solely on limited generation resources while improving and preserving the environment for future generations.

The renewable energy source is methane gas produced at the Horry County Solid Waste Authority Landfill.  The methane gas from the decomposing garbage powers three 1,400 horsepower engines that turn generators which produce 3.3 megawatts of electricity.  Because of the strong demand, more landfills are being constructed across the state.  Landfills in Lee, Anderson, and Richland Counties are projected to start generation during 2005.

Renewable resources replace themselves naturally so they produce little or no air pollutants or waste.  In using the methane emitted by decomposing garbage as fuel for generating power, we can significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas that otherwise would go into the atmosphere.  Better yet, some of them actually reduce air pollution and benefit the environment.

At full capacity, our 3.3 megawatt plant reduces methane emissions from the landfill.  This is equivalent to planting more than 21,000 acres of trees, enough to cover an area of almost 33 square miles.

Today, most electricity comes from limited generation resources.  Renewable resources, such as the sun, wind and decomposing garbage, provide a regenerating fuel source for electricity.  Using renewable resources to produce electricity will help reduce the need to use conventional generators powered by limited generation resources.

Facilities that use renewable resources to generate electricity are currently expensive to build and operate.  Increased customer demand by people like you for renewable energy will lead to further development of renewable technologies.

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.

In fact, you can’t really separate electrons on the electric lines to know which electricity you are getting to your home or business.  What you can be assured of is that less energy from conventional sources is being produced.

All revenues from the Green Power Program premiums will be reinvested in future development of additional renewable resources or facilities.

Your cost will vary depending on how many blocks you chose to buy.  Each block purchased will add an additional $3 to your monthly electric bill.  For residential members, rates are:

$3 per month for 1 block (100kWh)
$6 per month for 2 blocks (200 kWh)
$9 per month for 3 blocks (300 kWh)

You can choose to purchase any number of blocks for $3 each.
Your participation will show on your electric bill within one or two months. 

Participation in Green Power is voluntary by Edisto Electric members.  A member may discontinue participation in Green Power at any time.

Enrolling is easy:  Just call or visit your nearest Edisto Electric Cooperative customer service office.