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This program was created for electric cooperative members like you. FMCS distributes the renewable energy to participants of the Evergreen program. You can voluntarily support green energy through this program by paying only slightly more than you normally would each month for your electricity. For each 100 kWh block of renewable energy that you sign up for, $1.50 will be added to your monthly electric bill.

What forms of renewable energy make up Evergreen? Read on for an overview of the generation resources that help power your home and business.

WIND

Probably the most well-known type of renewable energy is wind. Dairyland initially invested in wind during the 1990s with a one-third interest in a wind turbine farm in Chandler, Minn. This participation launched the Evergreen program. The Chandler farm continues to provide 2 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, enough to power the homes of nearly 600 members.

Since then, Dairyland has greatly expanded its wind investment. In October 2003, Dairyland contracted for wind energy output from the G. McNeilus Wind Farm (Adams, Minn.) and in March 2004 doubled its participation in the wind farm. This growing partnership nets 16.5 MW of renewable energy - enough to power 4,800 residential homes in the Dairyland cooperative system.

ANIMAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY

Did you know that the average cow yields 12 gallons of manure each day? No longer just a waste problem, that manure can now be used as the resource to generate electricity. Several animal waste-to-energy projects are in development on dairy farms in Dairyland's system. Manure is the resource and methane gas, its byproduct through anaerobic digestion, will be the fuel used to generate renewable energy for you.

LANDFILL GAS-TO-ENERGY

Like the animal manure program, the landfill program literally won't let waste go to waste. Methane, created naturally as landfill waste decomposes, is the fuel used to generate the renewable energy. Dairyland first partnered with ONYX Waste Services, Inc. to purchase methane gas collected at the Seven Mile Creek landfill. Dairyland owns the generating equipment and purchases the gas from ONYX, which owns the landfill. The environmental benefits are significant. Prior to the facility's operation, the energy from the methane gas created by the landfill was wasted, simply burned off into the atmosphere. Now the gas can be harnessed as a "green" energy source. The Seven Mile Creek facility, Eau Claire, Wisc., came online in March 2004 and can power 2,600 homes. During spring 2006, the Central Disposal Landfill, Lake Mills, Iowa, came online. As the newest of Dairyland's landfill gas-to-energy facilities, it produces 4.8 MW and powers 4,000 homes.

HYDROELECTRIC POWER

The Flambeau Hydroelectric Station, located on the Flambeau River, has been quietly generating electricity since 1951. This water-powered, 22 MW generating facility was built at a cost of $6.25 million.

In April 2004, Dairyland Power our Generation and Transmission Cooperative, was awarded a new facility license for the Flambeau Hydro Station by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The license will not expire until Jan. 31, 2037.

As a result of Dairyland’s negotiations with the Wisconsin DNR during the relicensing process, the normal operating mode for Flambeau will be modified. Under the new license, the plant will be operated in the “run of the river” manner to result in the least interruption to normal river flows as possible.

Other environmental enhancements made by Dairyland include improving recreational resources on Lake Flambeau, upgrading the boat landing and providing a handicap-accessible fishing area.

Water from Lake Flambeau, formed by the construction of a 5,200-foot earthen dike and concrete dam, supplies the energy to the power plant’s three turbine generators. The dam, which rises 90 feet above bedrock, includes three large tainter gates that permit the passage of lake water over the concrete barrier for continuation down the Flambeau River.

The Flambeau Hydroelectric Station is located on Lake Flambeau, just five miles northeast of Ladysmith, Wisconsin.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?

You may participate in the Evergreen program by contacting FMCS and completing a sign-up form. Each family that chooses to participate in the program is committing to purchase at least one 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) block of electricity per month from renewable resources. Of course, you can choose exactly how much environmentally-friendly power you want. Commitment to the Evergreen program is for a minimum of one year.

Sign up now by printing the Evergreen sign-up form. Mail the completed form to Freeborn Mower Cooperative Services, P.O. Box 611, Albert Lea, MN 56007.

For more information on renewable energy, visit Minnesota Renewable Energy.