RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable energy is already used to power homes and businesses across southern Minnesota, but there are opportunities to do more. Explore additional opportunities below to increase your impact.

Solar Program: Like the wind program, the Wellspring renewable solar energy program is a voluntary program offering solar-generated electricity to cooperative members. Electricity provided by solar generation is a coordinated effort between Great River Energy and its 28 distribution cooperatives.

Members participating in the wind program are purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs). For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean, renewable electricity generation, a REC is created.

• Renewable energy is purchased in 100 (kWh) blocks.

• For each 100 (kWh) block purchased, there is an additional charge of $2.00 on your electric bill.

Considering adding solar energy to your home or business? Use this tool to estimate potential paybacks.

To find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Wellspring wind and solar programs, click here.

To apply for the Wellspring program, please complete the application found here.

CONNECTING YOUR OWN SYSTEM

BENCO Electric Cooperative members who are interested in connecting their own Distributed Energy Resource (DER) system must access BENCO’s NOVA Power Portal for all DER materials, including applications, policies and supporting documents.

Please note that all DER applications must be submitted online and approved before construction can begin.