More local investments in renewable energy resources are being made possible thanks to members of Mountain Parks Electric Association, Inc., headquartered in Granby.
As of the beginning of the year, the MPEI Board of Directors changed how it uses will utilize funds received from members who are investing in Green Power through the electric cooperative.
Since 1999, when Mountain Parks started participating in the Green Power program created by its power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Mountain Parks Electric has purchased open-market renewable energy credits, also known as RECs, on behalf of its members RECs financially support existing renewable energy systems — the environmental benefits, not the energy produced — at numerous locations across the United States, not necessarily within the Rocky Mountain Region.
That changed in January when the MPEI Board voted to keep the money local and invest in local renewable energy projects through grants. A three-person board has been appointed to accept applications and evaluate local projects. Grants will then be awarded to assist with construction of these projects.
Going forward, keeping these dollars local is in the best interest of our communities and our membership,” said General Manager Joe Pandy of the program change. “It will help the local economy by spurring renewable energy development.”
Nearly 800 MPEI customers — about 5 percent — support the voluntary Green Power program by purchasing 100 kilowatt-hour blocks for 50 cents. This price will not increase with the program change.