Renewable Energy

Wind energy farmVideo: Renewable Energy from Dairyland Power Cooperative

Polk-Burnett advocates conservation and the efficient use of energy. We also support the development of cost-effective renewable energy options. To achieve these goals, Polk-Burnett:

  • Offers Energy Sense rebates to encourage energy-efficient appliances, lighting, homes and equipment.
  • Promotes load management with off-peak electric service and products to reduce the need for coal power generation.
  • Communicates Energy Savers to help members conserve and save. 
  • Offers energy consultations to improve residential and commercial energy use. Contact member services, 800-421-0283, ext. 595, or e-mail.
  • Provides financial incentives to accelerate the use of renewable energy technologies through co-generation/net metering programs.  Net metering means the co-op will purchase excess power generated by renewable sources at a rate equal to our kWh charge. 
  • Offers Evergreen green power program to support the generation of renewable power, beyond governmental requirements.
  • Supplies electricity from a diverse mix of renewable sources, including:

Cow power 
Cows aren’t just for milk anymore. Biomass power plants, like the animal waste-to-energy facilities owned by Polk-Burnett’s energy supplier, Dairyland Power Cooperative, use dairy cow manure as an energy source to generate renewable energy. Cow manure is collected and heated to create methane gas and fuel generators. This cow power not only creates clean electricity, but it also helps farmers reduce biowaste.

Water power 
One of the basic four elements, water, is an excellent natural resource for generating renewable energy. Dairyland Power Cooperative, Polk-Burnett’s energy supplier, has owned the Flambeau Hydroelectric Station since 1951. This 22 MW water-powered generating facility is located on the Flambeau River near Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Water from Lake Flambeau, formed by the construction of a dam, supplies the energy to power the plant’s generators. Water flows through the generators and down the Flambeau River. 

Landfill gas power 
Polk-Burnett’s energy supplier, Dairyland Power Cooperative, provides renewable energy from landfill gas-to-energy facilities. As trash decomposes, it produces methane gas, which fuels generators and creates electricity. This innovative technology turns something negative (garbage) into a positive (renewable energy).

Wind power 
One of the most recognized renewable energies is wind. Currently, Dairyland Power Cooperative, Polk-Burnett’s energy supplier, has enough wind energy to power 4,800 residential homes. In 2008, Dairyland doubled its investment in wind generation from 18 MW to 38 MW at its wind farm in Adams, Minnesota.  

Biomass power
A biomass plant began generating power in October 2010 and burns wood waste, chips and sawdust to meet the energy needs of 28,000 homes. This new power plant brings our renewable total to about 10 percent. (Coal remains our primary source of power in Wisconsin.)

Evergreen programEvergreen Green Power Program
Support generation of renewable power with Evergreen, a voluntary green power program for co-op members.

For more information, contact member services, 800-421-0283, ext. 595 or e-mail.     
 

Together We Save