F.A.Q.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Capture The Wind program?
Capture The Wind is an opportunity for Moorhead Public Service customers
to buy clean, wind-generated electricity. Wind energy is renewable and
affordable. No need to mine, burn or dispose of anything.
How will the wind power be produced?
Wind power is currently generated by two wind turbines owned and operated
by Moorhead Public Service.
How do I participate?
Moorhead Public Service customers have an opportunity to become Members of
the Capture The Wind program. Your energy costs will increase
by no more than a half-penny per kilowatt hour. Contact mps@mpsutility.com
for an application.
How will wind power be delivered to my home or business? Will I still
receive traditional sources of power?
Electricity generated by the Capture The Wind program will be fed into the
overall power supply. Electrical energy to your home will then be drawn
from the overall electric supply system. You will not need any special
equipment to participate.
Will power to my home or business depend on the wind blowing?
No. Your power will continue uninterrupted.
Will I get all of my electricity from the wind turbine?
The one-third of your electricity that now comes from coal will be
replaced with wind-generated electricity, while the remaining two-thirds
of your energy will come from hydropower. Though this wind power does not
go directly to your home or business, it does directly reduce the amount
of coal burned to make electricity. Moorhead Public Service will match the
average annual production of the wind turbine with the average annual
electric use of Capture The Wind subscribers.
Will wind power cost more?
Yes. Although wind power is affordable, it still costs slightly more than
electricity produced by hydropower or by fossil fuels such as coal. For
just a half-penny more per kilowatt hour, you can choose to buy all your
electricity or a block of 1,000 kilowatt hours per month at the wind power
rate. For the average residential customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt hours
per month, that means about $5 more each month. Moorhead Public Service
guarantees that the wind power premium won't increase for as long as you
subscribe to the program. The subscriber contract is three years beginning
when wind power delivery is available. Subscription extensions will be
automatic for one-year periods from the date of your signed agreement.
Thirty days written notice is required to terminate the agreement.
How does the wind power program apply to dual heat customers?
If you're on the electric dual heat program, you can buy the non-dual
portion of your monthly electricity at the wind power rate.
Can businesses participate?
Commercial customers can buy all their electricity or a monthly block of
1,500 kilowatt hours at the wind power rate.
How will I know what's happening with the project?
Charter Members will receive reports as the project progresses.
Information will also be posted on our web site at www.mpsutility.com.
Is the program available to all Moorhead Public Service customers?
Yes. Whether you live in a house or an apartment, or if you own a
business, you can sign up to Capture The Wind to save resources and
support renewable energy.
How does this program affect people who don't subscribe?
The goal of this program is to have no impact on customers who don't
participate. Many customers may be satisfied knowing that their
electricity is produced by hydropower and by one of the most-efficient and
cleanest burning coal-fired power plants in the U.S. This program is for
customers who want more from their power supply and are willing to pay a
little extra to support wind power.
What does the wind turbine look like and where is it?
The rotor and generator are mounted on a 180-foot tower. The rotor
diameter is approximately 156 feet. The
turbine is located near the Centennial Softball Fields at the northeast edge of the city.
Are turbines dangerous to birds?
There is a risk if a bird flies into the spinning turbine. However, newer
technology uses large turbine blades which rotate at a relatively low
speed of 22 revolutions per minute (RPMs) and have a much lower risk to
birds than earlier turbine designs.
What if I move?
If you continue to be a customer of Moorhead Public Service, we'll
transfer your wind energy commitment to your new address. If you move and
no longer are a Moorhead Public Service customer, you will be under no
further obligation.
Why is this program being offered?
Moorhead is an environmentally-aware and progressive community. Wind power
gives Moorhead Public Service customers the opportunity to make a positive
environmental choice by supporting clean, renewable energy. At the same
time, you'll conserve natural resources for future generations.
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