Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Jeff Ledermann, 651-215-0236 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 St. Paul, Minn. - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is proud to announce that as of last December, it has been purchasing wind power to provide a portion of the energy needs at its St. Paul office. The agency will be purchasing about 500,000 kilowatts annually, or approximately 14 percent of its electrical energy needs. "I'm proud that the MPCA is the first state agency to take this important step toward increasing the demand for wind energy in our state," said Commissioner Sheryl Corrigan. "I hope that other agencies, businesses and individuals will give some serious thought to joining us." The MPCA is matching the amount of wind power purchased by staff for their homes during a "Buy Green Power" staff challenge last summer. Together, the MPCA and its staff are purchasing almost one million kilowatt hours of wind power annually, equivalent to powering more than 100 homes. The MPCA encourages all Minnesotans to support the development of clean, renewable energy by buying green power for homes and businesses. Wind power replaces electricity that would primarily come from burning coal - one of the dirtiest fuels for producing electricity. In Minnesota, 75 percent of the energy produced comes from coal, while less than one percent comes from wind. Already almost 30 new wind turbines have been built in Minnesota through the purchase of "green power" customers, with each turbine producing enough electricity for several hundred homes. The clean air benefits from wind power are significant and include reduction in several air pollutants. Chief among them is carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas and major contributor to global warming. Other pollutants reduced through the use of wind power include sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions that contribute to acid rain and ozone pollution; mercury emissions that significantly contribute to fish consumption warnings in lakes; and small particulates that contributed to air quality alerts in Minnesota. In addition, wind power development is providing significant benefits to Minnesota's economy, especially in rural parts of the state where farmers and local communities reap the benefits of keeping our energy dollars in Minnesota. Residents and businesses can purchase small "blocks" of green power for as little as $1.50 a month, or buy as much as 100 percent of their electricity usage. For the average home, a month of 100 percent green power would cost about $6 to $14 more than traditional energy sources. The comparative cost of wind energy may be even less if fuel costs for gas and coal continue to rise. All it takes to start buying green power is to contact your electricity provider and simply ask to sign up for their green power program. The amount you choose to purchase will be added to future bills. While buying green power does cost a few dollars more each month, try some of the energy conservation tips below and you may not even notice the additional cost:
· Turn off lights, computers and appliances when not in use.
· Turn your thermostat down (cooler) in the winter and set your air conditioner higher (warmer) in the summer.
· Sign-up for your utility's off-peak programs or energy conservation special rates and rebates.
· Buy Energy Star-rated, energy-efficient bulbs and appliances.
· Get a home energy audit. Seal cracks and insulate.
If you would like more information on buying green power, visit http://www.moea.state.mn.us/energy. If you already buy green power, be sure tell your friends and neighbors how simple it is to help improve our air.