In 1998, Dairyland developed Evergreen, a green power program that gives electric cooperative members the opportunity to voluntarily support the increased use of renewable energy sources without the financial burden of installing their own larger system. Members can subscribe to monthly Evergreen blocks of 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) each of clean, renewable energy. Evergreen will appear as a line item on the participating member’s monthly electric bill and is in addition to the regular electricity charges.
In 2018, Dairyland expanded available opportunities to participate in the program in ways that best fit a member's lifestyle or budget.
- Evergreen Everyone: Members can support renewable energy in increments of 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) blocks for just 65 cents ($0.65) per block per month ($0.0065 per kWh).
- Evergreen Everyday: Members who enroll in a storage strategy for their electric water heater will receive up to four Evergreen blocks to help keep their water hot.
- Evergreen Everywhere: Members who charge their electric vehicle during off-peak hours will receive up to four Evergreen blocks.
- Evergreen Everything: Being 100 percent powered by renewable energy isn’t just for large corporations. Through Evergreen Everything, members can choose to have 100 percent of their electricity use generated by renewable energy for 65 cents per 100 kWh block. The average cooperative home uses around 1,000 kWh per month, which equals $6.50 per month to be a green home.
Evergreen blocks that are allocated to members are in addition to any federal or state requirements. Dairyland’s diverse “green” portfolio includes solar, wind, hydro and biogas.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Evergreen renewable energy program (PDF)
To enroll in one of the Evergreen opportunities, contact your local electric cooperative.
