1.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.
2. Can businesses participate?
Commercial customers can buy all their electricity or a monthly block of 1,500 kilowatt hours at the wind power rate.3. 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an application.
4. 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.
5. 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.6. How will the wind power be produced?
Wind power is currently generated by two wind turbines owned and operated by Moorhead Public Service.
7. 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.8. 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
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.12. 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.
13. 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.
14.Will power to my home or business depend on the wind blowing?
No. Your power will continue uninterrupted.15. 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.