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Summer 2007 Newsletter

In this issue:

NC GreenPower Connects First Source of Wind Energy in Eastern N.C. to Power Grid 

"Expanding the energy options that are available to our customers has always been something we have taken seriously at Dominion," said David Koogler, director of regulation and competition for Dominion North Carolina Power. "It's exciting to be a part of an endeavor that represents the future of North Carolina's energy."

The project is the second source of wind energy in the NC GreenPower program. A 10 kilowatt (kW) wind turbine, located in Clyde, NC, was dedicated in November 2006. The Coquina Beach turbine is rated at 2.5 kW and is the first grid-connected wind turbine in the coastal communities of Eastern North Carolina. The 20-meter turbine will generate approximately 6,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, enough to power the park facility it serves as well as providing additional electricity to the state's electric supply.

The project is a positive step toward changing the way North Carolina's energy will be generated. Renewable energy sources like wind power are safe, environmentally conscious and can provide reliable, cost-effective energy for North Carolina businesses and citizens. NC GreenPower supports wind energy in order to help this vital energy resource grow.

"Today we take the first steps to a future powered by cleaner, renewable energy options," said Robert Goodson, chair of the NC GreenPower Board of Directors.

NC GreenPower is the first multi-utility green power program in the nation. It was created to encourage the development of renewable energy resources, such as the sun, wind and organic matter by individuals and businesses located in North Carolina.

Any resident of North Carolina may voluntarily contribute to the NC GreenPower program for as little as $4 per month by signing up through their electric utility. That $4 is used as a subsidy for generators of renewable energy sources in the state, and will add a block of 100 kWh of renewable energy to North Carolina's power supply.

To date, nearly 12,000 individuals and businesses participate in the NC GreenPower program, contributing to more than 25 million kWh of renewable energy generation per year. The Coquina Beach wind project will add to that volume of cleaner electricity now available to North Carolina utility customers.

"It is indeed a first step," Goodson said. "Perhaps, not so very long from now, projects like this will blaze a trail that will change North Carolina and our lives forever." 

NC GreenPower participation nears 12,000

With interest in renewable energy and environmental issues at an all-time high, NC GreenPower participation recently surpassed 11,000 participants for the first time in program history and is fast approaching 12,000. This major milestone caps an outstanding year of growth for the program that has seen a nearly 25% increase in contributing participants and dozens of new renewable energy projects brought online.

"We have been very excited about the interest among North Carolinians in our progam," says Jeff Brooks, marketing and communications coordinator for NC GreenPower.

NC GreenPower customers represent 40 electric utilities in communities across the state. NC GreenPower was the first statewide, multi-utility green power program in nation. Today, those participants help to generate more than 25 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year.

The substantial growth of the program in recent months can be attributed to a number of factors, including increased marketing of the program through media channels and electric utility bill inserts, as well as increased activity of the NC GreenPower Speakers Bureau. But the primary reason for growth is likely owing to increased public awareness and interest in renewable energy technologies.

"I think we are now dealing with a public that is more in tune with issues relating to energy and the environment," says Brooks. "Many people are looking for a way to do something and NC GreenPower provides that call to action."

Individuals and businesses can participate in the NC GreenPower program in a variety of ways, including monthly contributions through their electric bill, green-powered events, NC GreenPower gift cards, and direct contributions through the website. Together, the collective efforts of all involved are helping to bring new renewable energy projects online each month and making NC GreenPower a renewable energy leader in the Southeast and the nation.

As of May 2007

Program participation
Current NC GreenPower subscribers – 11,797
Total monthly NC GreenPower blocks subscribed –21,631
Annual equivalent blocks subscribed – 259,572
Annual equivalent energy – 25,957,200 kWh

Program producers
Solar photovoltaic (PV) - 72
Wind - 3
Landfill methane gas - 2
Small hydroelectric - 1 representing multiple sites
Biomass - 1 (wood waste)

Current NC GreenPower generators

Environmental offsets
The amount of coal consumed annually to produce this equivalent amount of energy - 21,025,332 lbs.

The generation of this amount of renewable energy will annually offset:

54,014,078 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO₂)

Energy equivalents
This annual offset of CO₂ emissions is environmentally equivalent to:

4,154,929 trees planted OR
65,754,065 miles not driven OR 1,600,016 days not driven