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President’s Message: REPS Rate Rider Expected
For some time now we have been discussing the North Carolina General Assembly’s mandate requiring electric utilities to add more renewable energy resources to the generation mix. Along with this mandate was an option of reducing sales through energy efficiency programs.This law, known as the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS), has outlined energy goals which all of the state’s electric utilities must meet starting in 2010.For electric cooperatives, up to 10 percent of kWh sales must be provided by renewable energy resources—or energy efficient measures—by 2018.
Piedmont Electric is a strong supporter of environmentally friendly energy sources, but as many of you know, “green” energy is more expensive than traditional generation facilities.The Co-operative’s solar array field in Caswell County will meet a very small percentage of our renewable requirements.We can comply with the REPS requirement in a number of ways, including putting more energy efficiency programs into effect. This does not come without a cost. The details are still being studied, but we expect to have a REPS rate rider added to members’ bill eventually.
Piedmont Electric will continue to look for additional programs to help you reduce your energy use. We ask your help in meeting the mandates set forth by the General Assembly.
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Cold weather almost always brings higher electric bills in the winter. And, when you add in extra holiday cooking and guests, electricity use seems to multiply.Higher energy bills can create a burden for many people, especially in today’s uncertain economic environment. Piedmont Electric’s Helping Hand Program is one way members can help other members in crisis situations with their heating bills.Project Helping Hand divides contributions from members among the individual county social services departments in our area for distribution to the Cooperative’s members who need help in paying heating bills.
If you would like to help less fortunate members with their heating bills, there are several ways to participate in Helping Hand.
You can volunteer to round up your monthly bills to the nearest dollar; you can make a one-time donation, or you can specify an amount to be added to your monthly bill and designate it for the Helping Hand Program.
Contact the Cooperative if you wish to participate in the program. |
