Promoting the Use of Renewable Energy in the Region
We've been hearing from a few members who indicated they would like the option of participating in a renewable energy program. As part of our commitment to our members, Lincoln Electric now invites you to participate in our
GreenPower renewable energy offering. Through LEC's GreenPower program, members are able to purchase 100 percent
GreenPower for their home or business, or purchase 100 kWh blocks of wind powered generation for only $1.50 per block.
Signing up is easy and you may purchase as many or as few blocks as you wish, or go 100 percent renewable with our
GreenPower rate. Your GreenPower purchase will show up on your monthly bill as an itemized charge added to your regular monthly energy charge and you may cancel your subscription at any time simply by providing us written notification.
To further explain this offering we have included some Frequently Asked Questions. We hope you will find this information useful as you consider participation in Lincoln Electric's
GreenPower program.
What is Green Power?
What is Lincoln Electric's GreenPower program all about?
Why wind power?
Where does my GreenPower come from?
How do I know these resources are "Green"?
Does the wind power generated actually serve my home?
Why does GreenPower cost more?
Why should I participate in LEC's
GreenPower Program?
Do I have to sign up at this time in order to participate?
How will GreenPower show up on my power bill?
How do I sign up for GreenPower?
Who should I call for more information?
GreenPower Frequently Asked Questions
What is Green Power?
Green Power is generally recognized as renewable energy generated from naturally occurring sources such as wind, biomass, solar, wave, tidal and low-impact hydroelectric power.
What is Lincoln Electric's GreenPower program all about?
At LEC, we believe we provide all our members with "green power" through our purchase of electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration's large-scale hydroelectric projects. Our
GreenPower program allows us to offer our members a renewable energy product purchased from BPA with the source being wind powered generation.
Why wind power?
Wind is a good choice for several reasons. It is one of the lower cost and cleanest renewable energy resources available. There is no consumption or extraction of fuel, no harm to fish and wildlife, and no air pollution. It provides an economic boost to many communities throughout the region and is a complement to LEC's hydroelectric power purchases.
Where does my GreenPower come from?
The resources are part of the Bonneville Power Administration's power system. Specifically, these
generating resources are the Condon & Klondike wind projects located in Oregon, the Stateline wind project located in Washington, and the Foote Creek 1&2 wind projects in Wyoming. For more information about each project, see the fact sheets listed
below.
How do I know these resources are "Green"?
These resources are endorsed by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Northwest Energy Coalition and the Renewable Northwest Project as being an environmentally preferred source of electricity generation.
Does the wind power generated actually serve my home?
Not exactly. We cannot guarantee that "green" electrons will reach your home or business, just as we cannot guarantee that the energy delivered to your home or business comes from Libby Dam. The wind energy is delivered to the regional transmission grid and LEC's distribution system along with electricity from all other resources. You will see no change in your electric service, but you will be promoting the development and use of renewable energy resources.
Why does GreenPower cost more?
Although the "fuel" (the wind) is free, the technologies used to convert the wind to electricity are not. Also, because the wind does not always blow, intermittent renewable resources like wind need to be backed up by other generating resources. Modern renewable technology is still relatively young and has not yet enjoyed all the economies of scale of more established power resource technologies. Lincoln Electric does not profit from offering you this program.
Why should I participate in LEC's GreenPower Program?
There are many good reasons to buy GreenPower, but some of the more common are:
- Conserve fossil fuel and large hydroelectric resources
- Improve energy security and independence
- Improve human health
- Enhance the regional economy
- Promote the development and use of additional renewable resources in the Pacific Northwest
Do I have to sign up at this time in order to participate?
Not necessarily, but while an individual or business may purchase one or more blocks of
GreenPower, or switch to 100 percent GreenPower, LEC only has a limited amount of wind energy to make available. Therefore, we will be signing members up on a first come, first served basis.
How will GreenPower show up on my power bill?
The charge for GreenPower will be itemized and added to the total charges portion of your utility bill. The cost is in addition to your regular electric charges. The cost for one 100 kWh block of
GreenPower is $1.50. If you choose 100 percent GreenPower the cost is an additional 1.5 cents for each kWh on your bill. For example, if you purchase three blocks of
GreenPower (300 kWh) the additional cost on your power bill will be $4.50 per month. For the average LEC residential member using 1200 kWh per month, signing up for 3 blocks of
GreenPower would increase the total monthly bill from $75.44 to $79.94. Signing up for 100 percent
GreenPower would increase an average bill $18, from $75.44 to $93.44
How do I sign up for GreenPower?
Signing up is easy. Simply complete the Sign-Up
Form and drop it by or mail it in to us. You may cancel your subscription at any time simply by providing us written notification.
Who should I call for more information?
Please contact a Member Services representative at 406-889-3301 or 1-800-442-2994 toll free, if you are having difficulty signing up or if you seek more information.
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