It's true! Thanks to Green Power, a pioneer energy program in Georgia, you have the opportunity to do make a difference in the environment. Southern Rivers Energy, along with 27 other EMC's in Georgia, formed Green Power EMC in order to begin generating electricity from Georgia's renewable resources. This means less impact on air, water and natural resources. We live in a society that is completely dependent upon electricity which creates an incredible demand for the generation of power. Currently, fossil fuels - coal, oil and natural gas - provide over 85% of the energy consumed in the United States and virtually all of our transportation fuels. But studies have shown that the emissions that come from the burning of these non-renewable energy sources can be harmful to our environment which poses what seems to be a "Catch 22" for the power industry. However, clean energy programs like Green Power provide a way to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

What is Green Power?

In a nutshell, "Green Power" is electric energy that is generated by renewable or more environmentally friendly sources. This means less air, water and natural resource impacts. Typical Green Power technologies include: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and low impact hydropower. Biomass includes landfill gas and agricultural wastes.

How does it work?

Georgia currently has three landfill gas projects (Richland Creek landfill site in Gwinnett, Roberts Road landfill site in Fayetteville, and Taylor County landfill site in central Georgia) and one low impact hydro facility, Tallassee Shoals. Green Power EMC worked with Energy Developments, Inc. out of Houston in order to locate capable landfills and low-emission power stations. Landfills are designed with wells and underground pipes that pull the gas to the flare to be burned off. Because of this infrastructure, landfill power stations are able to tap in to the pipes, making it cost effective. Once the gas is collected, all the moisture is removed and it is burned in a combustion unit which drives a generator, producing electricity. This green electricity is then run through a transformer to convert it to the proper voltage and is released into the power supply mix.

The Taylor County facility is currently producing 4 megawatts (MW) of electricity which is enough to supply power to about 4000 homes for an entire year.

Benefits of Landfill gas projects:

1. Environmental - cleaner air/reduces odors - Emissions are less than fossil-fueled power plant emissions where energy is deferred (offset) by landfill project
   - Second method to handle methane besides flaring, if existing
   - Project continues to use methane for energy production after landfill is closed
   - Small engines handle variability in methane production well
   EPA - LMOP (Landfill Methane Outreach Program) - Supports this approach
2. Economic - more jobs during construction and possibly around the local area
3. Community - Better managed landfills/better place to live - Encourages more methane collection as a portion of revenues flow to landfill operator
4. Energy - reliable, renewable, local fuel source reducing reliance on fossil fuels - Solid, base load facility - low-cost/reliable

Interested in Participating?

Green Power is available in blocks of 150 kWh to members of participating EMC's on a first come first served basis and there is a limited supply. Currently over 20% of green power is being used. By purchasing a block of green power, you are helping cover the cost of producing clean energy as well as contributing towards the development of future projects. One block of 150 kilowatt-hours per month costs $4, in addition to your regular electric charges. Paying more for a block of electricity that provides the same function as the other electricity you use may be hard to swallow at first but when you think about what it stands for, it makes sense. That block of green power reduces the reliance on fossil fuels, reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases into the environment, funds the development of a technology that strives to make the world a better place and invests in new opportunities to protect our environment. Choose to make a difference in your environment; start with Green Power! For more information on how to sign up, Contact Us or Sign Up on-line. (pdf)