Georgia Power launched its Green Energy program in October. Designed to produce electricity from environmentally friendly sources such as the sun, wind, water and landfill gas, customers can buy green energy in 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) blocks, which requires a 12-month subscription. Each block costs $4.50, and commercial and industrial customers can also participate in the program. The minimum number of blocks commercial and industrial customers can purchase will be based on the amount of energy the customer has historically used. As of October, more than 400 customers had already signed up for the program.

The first source is being generated in DeKalb County. It is based at the Seminole Road Landfill where the methane exhaust from the landfill is being converted into electricity. There, two 1.6-megawatt generators have the ability to produce 24 million to 25 million kWh of electricity annually, which is enough to power approximately 2,000 homes.

More sources are in development, and as more people buy blocks of green energy, Georgia Power will be able to develop more sources and flow more green energy into its power grid. Georgia contractors should monitor these projects, as it may be a source for future revenue.

For more information, visit www.georgiapower.com/greenenergy.       EC