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 Runestone Electric Association cares about maintaining a healthy environment for our generation and those to come. Our power supplier Great River Energy is constantly looking for ways to bring you cleaner energy, such as our Wellspring® Renewable Wind Energy program and the Refuse Derived Fuel plant.
Runestone Electric Association practices environmental efforts in-house among employees. Each day cardboard and paper are recycled. Fluorescent and high intensity lamps were recycled, and aluminum cans are recycled for a local wild life feeding program.
Click here to request information on Wellspring Renewable Wind Energy. (Requires Acrobat Reader)
The 2007 amendments to MN Statute 216B.1691, Renewable Energy Objectives, have created two primary goals for our state’s electric industry; First and foremost to reduce the use of fossil fuels in the generation of electricity, and second to promote economic development opportunities within the state of Minnesota. Runestone Electric Association (REA) supports these goals.
Specifically, the Renewable Energy Objective, which becomes a mandate in 2010, requires that renewable energy account for the following percentages of retail energy sales in the state:
• 7% by 2010
• 12% by 2012
• 17% by 2016
• 20% by 2020
• 25% by 2025
These goals may be modified by the Public Utilities Commission if the PUC deems it is in the public’s interest to do so considering (among others) the following effects of implementing the mandate:
1. A significant impact on retail electric rates
2. Adequate Transmission facilities are not built to accommodate the new generation
3. Inadequate availability of generation equipment
4. A significant impact on system reliability
As a distribution cooperative, Runestone Electric Association is a member of Great River Energy (GRE). Both organizations support the 25% by 2025 mandate as long as a balance is maintained between rates, reliability and the environment.
However, REA will support modification of the standard to protect the public’s interest in reliable service and reasonable electric rates if:
• the mandate significantly increases rates
• necessary transmission is not available
• the mandate compromises reliability (Including lack of conventional generation to back up renewable generation when not available)
• the Federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) for renewable energy is significantly reduced or eliminated
Other sources for renewable energy:
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