Electricity has been generated by hydro, wind, biomass and other renewable resources in the United States for more than a century. Co-ops are well ahead of the curve when it comes to investing in renewable resources. In fact, 11 percent of the power co-ops deliver nationwide comes from renewables, compared to 9 percent for the entire utility industry. In years ahead, co-ops will bring much more renewable power on-line.

This total will only continue to grow if Congress, as expected, follows the lead of 28 states and the District of Columbia and sets renewable portfolio standards (RPS) for electric utilities. These laws require investor-owned utilities, competitive electric generation suppliers, as well as some municipal electric systems and electric cooperatives to add increasing amounts of “clean and green” electricity to their retail power supply mix, ranging from 10 percent to 30 percent, by a certain date (mostly between 2018 and 2025).

SMPA believes renewable energy plays a significant role in providing for the energy needs of our members. For this reason, SMPA has committed to purchase any renewable energy generated within our service territory - from small systems to large scale projects. Currently, SMPA purchases hydro-generated energy from a system located in Ouray.

How you can make a difference?

SMPA can only be as 'green and clean' as its members allow. It's important for you as a member to make energy efficiency a major priority. But there's more you can do. SMPA offers two renewable energy programs that members can particpate in: Green Blocks and Green Cents.

Green Blocks: The Green Block program is a SMPA renewable energy initiative that allows members to purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset their energy consumption. These credits are called Green Blocks and cost $1.00 per block, per month. One block represents 100 kilo-watt hours of renewable energy. The average home uses just under 800 kilowatt hours per month, therefore most members would need seven or eight Green Blocks to offset their energy consumption. The cost is added to the monthly bill. Members can purchase as many blocks as they wish.

Electricity generated by renewable resources is placed on the same system, called the grid, as traditional electricity. Although members cannot be sure the electricity flowing into their homes is renewable, by purchasing Green Blocks, they ensure that the renewable energy they’re paying for is actually generated and placed on the grid. Buying one Green Block is the equivilant of not driving your car for 1,800 miles or planting 1/2 acre of trees.

For every $1.00 collected for Green Blocks, 60 cents is put directly in the SMPA Green Fund which is used to pay rebates to members who install
renewable energy systems on their homes or small businesses. That means your support of renewable energy stays close to home.

Green Cents: The Green Cents program is a simple and easy way for members to raise money to support community renewable energy and energy efficiency
programs. Members can choose to have their monthly bill rounded up to the nearest dollar. For example, if your bill is $72.37, you’ll pay $73. The
extra cents go in the Green Cents fund which is used for the development of renewable energy and conservation programs within SMPA’s service
territory. On average, members will spend less than $7 a year, and they may cancel participation at any time.

Participation: Members who are interested in participating in the Green Blocks or Green Cents Programs can call their local SMPA office. A customer service
representative will add them to the growing list of members who support renewable energy. You can also sign up for Green Blocks here.

View our brochures - Green Power Green Cents

SMPA'S Commitment to Renewable Energy

Talking the Talk & Walking the Walk: SMPA encourages our members to take advantage of renewable energy options and new technologies that improve energy efficiency. We've made a committment to follow our own advice and have integrated numerous resources into our business operations. Our fleet of vehicles includes two hybrid SUVs which run on electric and gas power. Pictured above is our 2005 Ford Escape hybrid. The vehicle is used by SMPA employees for regular business travel. The Escape Hybrid actually uses no fuel when you're stopped in traffic or driving at low speeds up to 40 mph when running in pure electric mode. In addition, it delivers an impressive 34 mpg in stop-and-go driving situations. The best part - you can go approximately 500 miles between gas fill ups. It also meets strict Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards. As our older vechicles need replacement, SMPA will continue to purchase hybrid models.

Hybrid vechicles are not SMPA’s only commitment to environmental responisbility. SMPA and our Board of Directors have made a commitment to support renewable energy in all its forms. To this end, SMPA installed a grid tied photovoltaic solar system at the Ridgway office to demonstrate for our members what it is and how it works. Members are invited to visit the office to ask questions and see the panel up close.

For other options and more information about renewable energy, please visit Tri-State’s web site on renewable resources.

WWW.COLORADO.GOV/ENERGY

WWW.COSEIA.ORG