Become a Wind Supporter
Join our voluntary renewable energy program
While the electricity that is delivered to your
home includes approximately four percent renewable energy, our Wellspring®
Renewable Wind Energy
Program allows energy-conscious customers the option of helping us do even more for the environment.
By making the choice to become a wind supporter, you not only help support wind energy development in Minnesota, but also help reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy sources, like coal and other fossil fuels.
Doing Our PartAs the demand for electricity
continues to grow, our power supplier, Great River Energy (GRE), is on
track to meet the green energy objective passed into law requiring utilities to generate 25 percent of their power from renewable sources such as wind, water, and sun by 2025.
Today, GRE's renewable sources generate enough electricity to
serve the annual electric needs of
nearly 64,000 homes.
The law encourages the use of wind farms, hydroelectric power, and solar energy, as well as cleaner burning fuels. Read more about GRE's
initiatives for a sustainable environment
(pdf).
Our commitment to environmental leadership is part of our strategic initiatives. We are convinced that pursuing renewable energy alternatives and giving customers the choice to support those initiatives is the right thing to do.
It's good for you.
It's good for us.
It's good for the environment.
Be a Wind Supporter
You choose the level at which you want to join
(.61 cents per 100 kWh block) |
|
$3 per month (approximately 5 kWh blocks) |
Wind Contributor |
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$6 per month (approximately 10 kWh blocks) |
Wind Friend |
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$9 per month (approximately 15 kWh blocks) |
Wind Champion |
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Anything over $9 per month |
Wind Visionary |
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You tell us how much you'd like to contribute |
Wind Choice |
An average home uses a total of 800-1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month.
Becoming a Wind Friend is equivalent to an average home's monthly electric use.
Sign Up Now
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wellspring wind energy?
Wellspring wind energy is a voluntary program offered to our customers. Renewable wind energy is supplied by Connexus’ wholesale power supplier, Great River Energy.
While the electricity that is delivered to all homes and businesses includes some renewable energy in the mix, including wind, participating in the Wellspring program is an added bonus. In the last few years, additional turbines were built specifically for those who subscribe to Wellspring. As long as there is an additional demand for wind energy, more turbines will be built.
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How long do I have to stay on the program?
You must remain on the program for at least 12 months. After 12 months you may discontinue participation at any time.
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Where is Wellspring wind energy produced?
Wind energy is produced using giant wind turbines located in southwestern Minnesota.
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How does wind energy work?
Large blades are attached to a generator on top of a tall tower. As the wind blows, the spinning blades cause the generator to turn. This generates electricity that is transmitted over wires to homes and businesses.
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Is the wind power supplied directly to my home or business?
No. The electricity generated by the wind turbines is fed into the state's electric system, called the grid. It is like pouring a pitcher of water into a pond. You can't get the water from the pitcher back out of the pond. The same holds true for recapturing wind-generated electricity from the grid. It is there
and available to use, but to deliver the exact electron generated by the wind turbine is not possible. The wind power that you purchase will replace electricity that would have been generated by conventional fuels.
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Will I still receive traditional power sources?
Yes. You won't be able to distinguish whether the electrons flowing into your home is generated by wind power or not. But, you can be assured the commitment to purchase Wellspring Wind Energy will result in the construction of new wind generators that will help lessen our reliance on coal and other fossil fuels.
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Will power in my home or business be dependent on the wind blowing?
No. Your power will continue as usual because additional generation is built to ensure power is supplied when the wind is not blowing. This is typically natural gas-powered generation.
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Can we generate all our electricity from wind?
No. Wind is a great way to meet some of our electricity needs. However, wind could never generate all of our electricity needs because the wind doesn’t blow all the time. Quite often, wind doesn’t blow at all during some of the hottest days of summer, when people are using the most electricity. Wind is a good option and we need to continue to harness its power. Wind-generated electricity is an important part of the overall mix of generation options.
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Is wind energy cheaper to produce than other generation options?
Not yet. Some day wind may be a cheaper alternative. Today, it is still more expensive than traditional generation methods. By providing financial incentives, the government has helped increase the growth of wind energy. As technology advances and costs come down, wind becomes more and more cost-competitive. Another factor is that the windiest areas are often far from the areas that need the power. Therefore, transmission lines need to be built and this adds to the overall cost of wind energy.
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What are the environmental impacts of wind generators?
Wind has minimal environmental impact. There is a risk if a bird flies
into the spinning turbine. However, the new large turbine blades
rotate at a relatively slow speed and have a much lower risk to birds
than earlier turbine designs. Overall, the number of animal deaths
from turbines is very small. Many more birds are killed from other
human-related impacts such as buildings and vehicles than by wind
turbines. Visual impact and noise are two other environmental factors
related to wind-generating towers. Proper placement and design can
help the visual impact and new turbines are quieter than the older
ones.
FAQ list
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