Renewable Energy

Go Green Renewable Energy.
In this section you can:

Totally Green
Net Metered System
Net Metering Rebates
SMPA's Green Fund
Tri-State's Responsible Energy Plan

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future.

The SMPA Green Fund

The mission of San Miguel Power Association, Inc. includes the goal of "providing our members with... environmentally responsible electrical service."

In recent years, the falling cost and proliferation of renewable energy technologies have been allowing power consumers to be more selective about the electricity they use. San Miguel Power Association brings these choices to you. This suite of options gives consumers full power over their own carbon footprint due to electricity consumption.

These programs are made possible by the SMPA Green Fund. It is a pool of money, separate from the SMPA General fund, that acts as a funnel. Its voluntary input programs collect money, which is then channeled to outcome programs that help participants tap into renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint.

Green Fund Inputs:

Green Fund Feeder: The newest and simplest way to use 100% renewable energy. Now, the energy you use can have the environmental attributes of energy coming from renewable sources like solar wind, and hydro. Estimated cost for an average residential home: $8 - $10 per month.

One-time sign up
1¢ per kWh bill adder
Renewably-sourced energy, dude!

Sign up for Totally Green here!

Green Blocks Logo

Green Fund Feeder: Members can buy extra renewable energy credits in 100 kWh blocks. A flexible way to claim the environmental attributes of energy generated from renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro.

1 Block = 100kWh = $1.00
Avg. Home uses 800 - 1,000 kWh/mo.

SMPA White Paper: Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign up for Green Blocks

Green Cents Logo

Green Fund Feeder: Power bills are rounded up the nearest whole dollar.

Simple, Easy, Voluntary (opt-out)
Round-up program
Average cost: $7.00/yr.

Members may cancel participation any time during regular business hours by calling (970) 864-7311.

Increase amount of contribution or cancel participation for Green Cents, or call your local SMPA office.

Solar Panel and Hydro Generator Images

Green Fund Feeder: Contracts with local renewable power generators provides an income stream for the Green Fund.

Local, Renewable Projects
Power Purchase Agreements
Under 5% Wholesale Contract Carve-out

Green Fund Outcomes:

Green Fund Output: Help defray the cost of renewable power systems.

Solar Photovoltaic Residential
Solar Photovoltaic Commercial
Small Wind Residential
Solar Domestic Hot Water

See what rebates are available.

Green Fund Output:

"I.Q." = Income Qualified
I. Q. Weatherization
- Complete Energy Audit
- Home Efficiency Upgrades
- No Cost to Member
I.Q. Solar
- Efficiency Upgrades Completed
- Solar Array - Norwood, CO

Learn more about the IQ weatherization and solar programs.

Sun Water Icon

A construction worker standing amid a newly-built solar array.

Image of solar panels in the Paradox Valley

In December of 2011 SMPA signed a contract that gave birth to the single largest community-owned solar facility in the U.S. at the time, in Paradox Valley. This project went on to win the Best Solar Collaboration Award in the U.S. for 2012 from Solar Power Generation International.

Output: 1 Megawatt (MW)
Major consumers: Alpine Bank, Telluride Housing Authority, Telluride School District

Built in the 1890s, the Ouray Hydroelectric Power Plant has been called the pioneer electric plant of the American West. Thanks to the determination of visionary owner, Eric R. Jacobson, and plant engineer, Chris Dobbins, this forerunner of the national electric grid and of our modern lifestyle is, amazingly, still producing power today.

Output: Generates ≈ 4 Million kWh/yr
Oldest operating hydro plant in United States