Jump River Electric Cooperative is concerned about our environment. We live in the same communities and have the same hope for our children's future as you. Please take a moment to learn how you can better our environment through the Evergreen program.

Q. What is the Evergreen Program?
A. The Evergreen program is a new and innovative service which allows you to purchase a portion of your electricity from an energy source that's abundant and completely renewable... the wind.

Q. How will the energy be produced?
A. The energy for this program will be produced using the latest in wind generation technology. Significant advancements have been made in recent years to enhance the performance of wind turbines. Wind turbines resemble large airplane propellers which convert the wind's motion into usable electric energy.

Q. How do I participate?
A. You may participate in the Evergreen program by contacting Jump River Electric Cooperative. Each family that chooses to participate in the program is committing to purchase at least one 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) block of electricity per month from renewable resources. Of course, you can choose exactly how much environmentally-friendly power you want. So you can purchase more, up to your total monthly consumption. Commitment to the Evergreen program is for a minimum of one year.

Q. How much does the power cost?
A. Each 100 kilowatt-hour block will cost you $1.50 per month more on your monthly electricity bill.  The actual price will be determined upon construction of the wind farm in the Fall of 1998.

Q. What is the goal of the Evergreen Program?
A. To make the program viable, we need the participation of 2,000 families in our region. The more families that sign up, the larger the wind farm will be.

Q. Is this program available to all cooperative members?
A. Yes.

Q. How does this program affect people who do not choose to participate?
A. This project will have no impact on customers who do not participate. Many customers may be satisfied knowing that their power is produced by cost-effective, efficient coal-fired power plants. This service is for customers who want more from their power supply and are willing to pay the extra costs associated with it.

Q. How do I know that I am getting my electricity from wind generated resources?
A. Electricity generated by the Evergreen program will be fed into the overall power supply. Electrical energy to your home will then be drawn from the overall electric supply system. Of course, you cannot be sure that the electrons flowing into your home are actually generated by wind power. But you can be sure that your commitment to the program resulted in the construction of new wind generators.

Q. What do you intend to do with the proceeds from this program?
A. This program has been designed to be a nonprofit, participant-funded program. Any excess revenue generated from this program (as a result of costs being less than expected) will be used to establish an environmental education grant for school districts within the region.

Q. Will power in my home be dependent on the wind blowing?
A. No. There will be no interruptions in your power supply.

Q. When will the wind turbines be producing electricity?
A. Our goal is to have the wind generators in service by the Fall of 1998. Billing will not begin until the wind generators are operational.

Q. Where will the turbines be located?
A. The turbines will be in rural Minnesota. Minnesota is one of the best sources for wind generation in the region.

Q. Are turbines dangerous to birds?
A. There is a risk if a bird flies into the spinning turbine. However, the new large turbine blades rotate at a relatively slow speed and have a much lower risk to birds than earliest turbine designs.

Q. What is the benefit to me of participating in the Evergreen program?
A. By participating in this program, you are investing in the future of the environment and helping to ensure a cleaner and greener world for your children and grandchildren. Immediately, this program will save thousands of tons of coal and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

You may contact Cheryl at Jump River Electric Cooperative for more information.