Green Power

History

Habersham EMC and 15 other EMCs in the state joined together to form Green Power EMC in 2002. Now participation has grown to a partnership of 38 Georgia EMCs. This group works together to research and provide green electricity (that is electricity generated from renewable resources). This electricity is then offered to EMC members.

How it Works

green power generation plantCurrent projects include two landfill sites: Roberts Road in Fayette County and the Taylor County landfill. The key to Green Power is to make the most of the resources in your area, and Georgia has a large amount of biomass (landfill gas, wood waste, and chicken litter).

When garbage decomposes in a landfill, it produces gas made up of methane (the main component in natural gas), carbon dioxide and small amounts of oxygen, nitrogen and non-methane organic compounds. Methane is considered a dangerous greenhouse gas and it typically destroyed at landfills by being burnt in a “flare”, similar to a giant candle. Landfills are built with wells and underground pipes to draw the gas to the flare.

landfill gas to energy process. From left to right: Landfill, liner and over to contain gases, refuse, landfill gas, gas collection wells, extraction and cleaning equipment, gas engine and electric generator, transformer, to grid
Landfill gas to energy: turning waste into energy.

Landfill power stations tap into that infrastructure, making this project very cost-effective. After the gas is collected and moisture removed, it is burnt in a combustion unit, similar to an automobile engine, which drives a generator, producing electricity. This electricity runs through a transformer to convert it to the proper voltage and then is exported onto the power grid.

How this Affects You

Energy generated through Green Power EMC goes straight into the power grid. By purchasing a block of green power, members purchase renewable energy. The use and development of renewable resources for electricity serves to make our world a better place to live by reducing our dependency on coal and natural gas. Green Power also avoids harmful pollutants from being released into our atmosphere.


For more information about the program, visit the Green Power EMC website.

To join the program, please fill and submit the Green Power Enrollment Form.

Green-e Energy Disclosures

Green power is electricity generated from renewable resources that are more environmentally friendly than some traditional power sources. As a member of Green Power EMC, Habersham EMC utilizes electricity generated from biomass; specifically methane gas reclaimed from the Taylor County and Roberts Road landfills. Landfill gas comes from the natural breakdown of wastes at the landfill site. The gas is collected and used to generate electricity. Typically the gas is wasted; in most landfills it’s just burned off to prevent explosions. Green-e Energy certifiies that the green power sold by Habersham EMC meets the environmental and consumer protection standards established by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions.

Price, Terms, and Conditions

Overview

Green-e. Energy Certified.Habersham Electric Membership Corporation Green Power program is certified by Green-e Energy, which requires companies to provide their customers with this notice of Price, Terms and Conditions of service. You may cancel your agreement to purchase Green Power from Habersham Electric Membership Corporation at anytime by calling the Customer Service Center (see number below) or writing to the billing address listed below.

About Green-e

Habersham Electric Membership Corporation Green Power program is Green-e Energy certified, and meets the environmental and consumer-protection standards set forth by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions. Learn more at www.green-e.org.

Company

Habersham Electric Membership Corporation

Whom should I contact for more information?

Habersham EMC Customer Service Center:
(800) 640-6812 or forinfo@hemc.coop

Habersham EMC Green Power website:
https://www.habershamemc.com/content/green-power

Address:

Habersham EMC
6135 Hwy 115 West
Clarkesville, Georgia 30523

How will I be billed?

You will see an additional line item on your monthly bill for your Green Power purchase from Habersham Electric Membership Corporation.

How will my bill be calculated?

All Habersham Electric Membership Corporation members are eligible to purchase Green Power from Habersham Electric Membership Corporation on a “first come, first served” basis. Habersham Electric Membership Corporation’s Green Power is available to members in blocks of 150 kWh for an additional fee of $4.00 each month.

How much will my total electricity service cost, including utility charges?

Based on a monthly average usage of 500 kWh and the purchase of one, 150 kWh Green Power block, the following table provides you an estimate of your 2018 monthly electricity bill. Your actual bill will vary based on your use of electricity.

2018 Monthly Electricity Cost $73.85
Green Power Premium $4.00
Total $77.85

Will my rates change over time?

The existing rate structure for your Habersham Electric Membership Corporation Green Power service is presently fixed and determined by Board action. Many factors control this cost however we feel it will only change when contract conditions change or new, more costly, renewable resources are added to the program and we must adjust the price to account for the increased price of the new generation.

What sources will be used in my certified product?

Please refer to the Product Content label below.

If I want to terminate this agreement/contract, what is the early termination fee?

There is no cost associated with terminating participation Habersham Electric Membership Corporation’s Green Power program.

What length of agreement/contract is required?

No contract or re-enrollment is required. You will remain enrolled in Habersham Electric Membership Corporation’s Green Power program until you terminate your participation by notifying Habersham Electric Membership Corporation.

What other fees might I be charged for?

There are no other fees associated with participation in Habersham Electric Membership Corporation’s Green Power program.

Product Content Label

2023 Product Content Label


Habersham EMC voluntarily accepts and supports the Green-e Energy Code of Conduct and Customer Disclosure Requirements and independent verification methods. Green-e Energy was established by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions to provide information and an objective standard for consumers to compare renewable energy options, and to verify that consumers get what they pay for. Green-e Energy assures customers that participants portray their Green-e Energy Certified renewable energy option accurately. The Green-e Energy logo shown here can only be used with renewable energy options like this one that promise to meet Green-e Energy’s high standards of environmental and marketing integrity. Habersham Electric Membership Corporation’s Green Power program is Green-e certified, and meets the environmental and consumer-protection standards set forth by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions. Learn more at www.green-e.org.