Driving on the Wind

One Big Cappuccino

For about the cost of a large cappuccino per month, Holland City Manager Ryan Cotton can claim his Chevy Volt is powered completely by renewable resources. When Holland BPW rolled out its Renewable Energy Elective program last July, Cotton was one of the first customers to jump at the opportunity.

“I’ve been waiting my whole life for technology to offer this kind of opportunity,” said Cotton. “It’s clean, renewable, home-grown Midwest power, and I want to support that.”

Renewables at the Holland BPW

The Holland BPW’s diverse renewable portfolio is comprised of landfill gas, biomass, and wind generation, including our recent power purchase agreements from Beebe Wind of Ithaca, MI and Wildcat in Windfall, IN. At a total potential of 40 megawatts, renewables represented 8.95% of our total electric sales in 2013, exceeding the state requirements of 3.3%. When the Beebe Wind farm becomes operational in late 2014, it is projected that 13.5% of Holland’s electric sales will be provided by renewable energy.

While a small percentage of renewable energy cost is already included in standard rates, Holland BPW heard genuine interest from community members who wanted to support these resources at a more substantial level. We responded with an elective program that gives customers the option of buying renewable energy in blocks of 100 kWh or in five percent increments of their monthly consumption.

Worth the Cost

Cotton, who buys 100 percent of his electricity through the renewable elective, says the extra penny and a half per kilowatt hour is well worth the cost.

“I’m running my car off the wind,” Cotton said. “The HBPW is a state leader in energy diversity, and through community support, Holland will achieve a reputation as a world-class energy efficient city.”