Green Power
An additional investment of $6 per month for one year on your electric bill buys enough Green Power to equal the environmental benefits of not driving your vehicle for three months or planting 1/3 acre of trees in a national forest. Green Power is generated by Santee Cooper, the state-owned utility that is the source for the power for the state’s electric cooperatives. Santee Cooper sells power to Central Electric Power Cooperative, a Columbia-based generation and transmission cooperative and Santee Cooper’s largest single customer. Central then sells power to the state’s 20 electric cooperatives, including Marlboro.
Ronald J. Calcaterra, Central’s president and CEO says “The cooperative spirit of Central, Santee Cooper and the electric cooperatives has long been recognized as an asset to the people for South Carolina, the availability of Green Power is another example of how our cooperative spirit can improve the lives of South Carolinians.”
Santee Cooper, which has 150,000 residential and commercial customers in Berkeley, Georgetown and Horry counties, was the first electric utility in the state to generate and offer Green Power to its customers and presently over 3,000 residential and commercial customers participate in the program.
Santee Cooper's Green Power Program has achieved national Green-e certification through the Center for Resource Solutions, based in California. Green-e certified utility porgrams are verified annually for their power content making sure that the electricity provider selling the power has met the Green-e Program's environmental and consumer protection standards. Green-e is the nation's leading industry certification and verification program for renewable energy products.
Why is MEC offering this program to its members?
MEC and Santee Cooper are working together on the Green Power Program in response to increased customer interest in renewable energy and concern for the environment. By taking this initial step to meet and encourage the growing demand for renewable energy, we can help reduce reliance solely on limited generation resources while improving and preserving the environment for future generations.
Where does the electricity for the Green Power Program come from?
The renewable energy source is methane gas produced at the Horry County Solid Waste Authority Landfill and the Richland County Landfill. The methane gas from the decomposing garbage produces 14.2 megawatts of electricity.
How does the Green Power help better the environment?
Renewable resources produce little or no air pollution or waste. In using the methane emitted by decomposing garbage as fuel for generating power, we can significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas that otherwise would go into the atmosphere. Better yet, some of them actually reduce air pollution and benefit the environment. At full capacity, the 14.2 megawatts reduces methane emission from the landfill. This is equivalent to planting more than 17,800 acres of trees.
How does renewable energy differ from other energy sources?
Today, most electricity comes from limited generation resources. Renewable resources, such as the sun, wind, and decomposing garbage, provide a regenerating fuel source for electricity. Using renewable resources to produce electricity will help reduce the need to use conventional generators powered by limited generation resources.
Why does renewable energy cost more?
Facilities that use renewable resources to generate electricity are currently expensive to build and operate. Increased customer demand by people like you for renewable energy will lead to further development of renewable technologies.
If I purchase Green Power, will I notice a difference in my electric service?
No. You will not notice any difference in your electric service when you sign up for the Green Power Program. The renewable energy purchased by participants will be pooled with energy from conventional sources and will be delivered through the same power lines. In fact, you can’t really separate electrons on the electric lines to know which electricity you are getting to your home or business. What you can be assured of is that less energy from conventional sources is being produced.
Where will my money go?
All revenues from the Green Power premiums will be reinvested in future development of additional renewable resources or facilities.
How much will my participation in the Green Power Program cost?
Your cost will vary depending on how many blocks you chose to buy. Each block purchased will add an extra $3 to your monthly electric bill. Participation in Green Power is voluntary by MEC and its members. A member may discontinue participation in Green Power at any time.
For residential members, rates are:
- $3 per month for 1 block (100kWh)
- $6 per month for 2 blocks (200 kWh)
- $9 per month for 3 blocks (300 kWh)
You can also choose to purchase any number of blocks for $3 each. Your participation will show on your electric bill within one or two months.
How do I enroll?
Contact Us or clip and drop off this coupon or include it in your next bill payment.
Terms and Conditions
Who should I contact for more information?
- Call: Marlboro Electric Cooperative Customer Service at (800) 922-9174
- Web: www.marlboroelectric.coop
- Write: Marlboro Electric Cooperative, Inc., Post Office Box 1057, Bennettsville, SC 29512
How will I be billed?
Your Green Power charge will be listed on your monthly electric bill as an additional line item.
How will my electricity bill be calculated?
Usage rate: Your residential rate plus $3 for each 100kWh block of Green Power. Taxes and Fees: You must also pay all applicable federal, state, and local taxes as well as any applicable fees.
How much will my total electricity service cost including utility charges?
Based on a monthly average usage of 1,000 kWh, and purchase of one 100 kWh block of Green Power, the following table provides you an estimate of your 2004 monthly electric bill if you receive service from Marlboro Electric as a Residential Standard Customer (R6) and the extra monthly cost for Green Power. Your actual bill will vary based on your use of electricity.
2004 monthly electricity cost $70.50
Green Power premium $ 3.00
Total $73.50
Will my electricity rates change over time?
Rates are set by Marlboro Electric Board of Directors and are subject to change in the future.
What fuel sources will be used to generate my power?
The Power Content Label shows the resource mix projected for this year.
If I want to terminate this agreement/contract, what is the early termination fee?
There is no termination fee.
What length of agreement/contract is required?
The Green Power Program is voluntary. You can cancel or change your participation in Green Power at anytime. There is no contract length.
What other fees might I be charged?
None.