What is renewable energy?

What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy is electricity that comes from sources that produce little or no emissions by using resources that replenish themselves naturally, such as wind, sunlight, biomass (agricultural waste), geothermal (the Earth's heat), waves and landfill gas.

What are the benefits of renewable energy?

What are the benefits of renewable energy?

Renewable energy has a variety of benefits, including reduced reliance on imported and domestic fossil fuels, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and lower levels of air and wastewater pollutants.

Does Holland BPW purchase renewable energy?

Does Holland BPW purchase renewable energy?

Yes! HBPW added renewable energy to its portfolio starting in 2008, before it was state mandated. HBPW's current portfolio includes wind power and landfill gas. A portion of HBPW's total sales are supplied by renewable energy.

For  details, view the pdf Energy Waste Reduction & Renewable Energy Plan Annual Summary Report. (1.37 MB)

What are the sources of HBPW's renewable energy?

What are the sources of HBPW's renewable energy?

Renewable energy (RE) credits were acquired through power purchase agreements with Wildcat Wind Farm (wind power), Beebe 1B Wind Farm (wind power), Pegasus Wind Farm (wind power), North American Natural Resources (landfill gas) and Granger (landfill gas).

What is the Elective Renewable Energy rate?

What is the Elective Renewable Energy rate?

The Elective Renewable Energy rate gives you the option of supporting a green energy solution by having part or all of your electricity come from renewable sources.

Who is it available to?

Who is it available to?

Any HBPW electric customer.

How does it work?

How does it work?

When you choose Elective Renewable Energy, you'll pay your normal rate for electricity plus a small monthly premium. You'll see this participation premium reflected as an additional line item on your regular monthly billing statement, which will read Elective Renewable Energy.

How much can I get?

How much can I get?

You may choose the amount of your electricity that comes from renewables in five percent (5%) increments of your monthly usage.

Your participation cost will fluctuate based on the number of kilowatt-hours of electricity you use in a given month. Since a portion of your energy already comes from renewable sources, the maximum percentage you can elect is 85%.

How will I know that I'm really purchasing renewable energy?

How will I know that I'm really purchasing renewable energy?

When HBPW purchases renewable energy it receives renewable energy credits (RECs) that are certified and overseen by a third party. The Michigan Renewable Energy Certification System (MIRECS) issues, tracks, and enables retirement of the credits to ensure that no two customers pay for the same unit of renewable energy.{/slider}

Will it come with Green-e certificates?

Will it come with Green-e certificates?

HBPW is not currently offering Green-e certificates. It will investigate this option if customers are interested.{/slider}

Where does the money that I pay to participate go?

Where does the money that I pay to participate go?

Renewable energy costs more than traditional power generation. The premium you pay is the cost difference.{/slider}

Can I rely on it?

Can I rely on it?

Your participation will not change the reliable service you have come to depend on from the HBPW. The renewable energy purchased for the program is supplemented by electricity from other traditional sources.{/slider}

How do I apply?

How do I apply?

Enrolling is easy. Simply fill out the Elective Renewable Energy application form found at www.hollandbpw.com/en/renewable and follow the submission instructions listed on the application.{/slider}

Can I go on and off the rate at any time?

Can I go on and off the rate at any time?

You may enroll in the Elective Renewable Energy rate at any time. Participation in the program continues for a minimum of 12 months. After 12 months, you can opt out of the program by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 616.355.1500.

When will the new rate show up on my bill?

When will the new rate show up on my bill?

The Elective Renewable Energy rate will show up on your bill statement within 45 days of enrollment.

What if demand for Elective Renewable Energy exceeds the amount HBPW currently purchases?

What if demand for Elective Renewable Energy exceeds the amount HBPW currently purchases?

HBPW will purchase additional Renewable Energy Credits to meet the customer demand.{/slider}

Where can I get more information?

Where can I get more information?

Visit www.hollandbpw.com or call 616.355.1500. Email your application to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..{/slider}