Wisconsin Focus: Green Power Switch

Now more than ever America needs Green Power. Green Power means domestic energy and that means domestic jobs. Green Power means less money going to Iran, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela and more staying right here in America. Green Power means cleaner air, cleaner water, less carbon emission and a stronger economy. And it is something we ALL can be a part of.

There are several companies in Wisconsin involved in helping energy customers switch to green energy, including landfill methane gas use (which reduces methane emissions from landfills while generating energy), wind power and solar power. The cost is generally less than 3 cents per kilowatt-hour more than you currently pay for energy. By participating you contribute to reducing carbon emissions, cleaning up Wisconsin's environment, and stimulating Wisconsin's economy. Three important ways of helping your local community, local environment and local economy, all for less than 2 cents per kilowatt-hour of energy you use. In fact, buying green energy is cheaper in Wisconsin than in most states. When my wife and I made a similar switch in New York, we barely noticed the difference in our energy bill. We also switched to compact fluorescent bulbs at the same time and the energy savings reduced our bill by one-third even with the small increase from buying green energy. Together, we reduced our carbon footprint by about 30% while overall saving money. I highly recommend the switch.

Green Power Tomorrow: wind energy; cost: 1.0¢/kWh

Available to Madison Gas & Electric customers.

When it comes to steps you can take to protect our environment, Green Power Tomorrow is probably the easiest and most effective. For about $7.00 more per month, just 1.25 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), you can buy enough green power for your home to offset 100% of your electricity-generated carbon dioxide emissions. For a small business, it's about $16.25 more per month. The Madison area made Green Power Tomorrow one of the top green pricing programs in the U.S., so successful we doubled the amount of green power available.

You can buy green power for your home or business today
You can offset up to 100% of the carbon dioxide emissions from your electricity use through Green Power Tomorrow. For the average MGE residential customer using 550 kWh per month, the extra cost would be about $7.00 per month, just 1.25 cents per kWh.

* You can select the level of renewable green energy you would like.
* You will be billed the additional amount each month.

To sign up, complete the online form at mge.com/greenpower or call the MGE Home Energy Line at (608) 252-7117.

Evergreen Renewable Energy Program:

Offered through the Dairyland Power Cooperative: Allamakee-Clayton/Postville, Hawkeye Tri-County/Cresco, Heartland Power/Thompson & St. Ansgar

As a wholesale electricity supplier, Dairyland Power Cooperative is committed to providing a balanced energy supply that is reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible. As such, Dairyland has actively sought opportunities to expand our Evergreen renewable energy program, launched in 1998.

Energy consumers have embraced renewable energy programs throughout the country. Members of the Dairyland Power Cooperative system are equally enthusiastic about our Evergreen renewable energy program.

This program was created for Dairyland’s electric cooperative members. Dairyland’s members distribute the renewable energy to their consumers who are participants of the Evergreen program. Consumers can voluntarily support renewable energy through this program, with only a slight increase in their monthly electric bill.

What forms of renewable energy make up Evergreen? Dairyland’s diverse “green” portfolio includes wind, landfill gas-to-energy and animal waste-to-energy. Dairyland also supplies renewable energy to member cooperatives from our 24 MW Flambeau Hydro Station near Ladysmith, Wis. Click on the links below to learn more.

Dairyland's Renewable Energy Resources (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Evergreen renewable energy program (PDF)

Wisconsin Public Service's Renewable Energy Programs:

WPS customers have the power to make a difference for the environment. Learn more about how you can purchase renewable energy for yourself, or help schools in our area teach about renewable energy.

* SolarWise® for Schools
SolarWise® for Schools places solar panels on high schools. It also teaches students about solar power.

* NatureWise® Renewable Energy Program
NatureWise® offers earth-friendly energy from wind and biomass.

Click on the above links to find out more and sign up.