TVA, Prentiss County EPA Kick Off Consumer-owned Green Power Project
October 18, 2004
BOONEVILLE, Miss. – TVA and Prentiss County Electric Power Association today kicked-off the startup of the first consumer-owned generation system in Mississippi to supply green power to the TVA system.
The hybrid solar and wind system, installed on Willie Hatfield’s residence in the Thrasher community, is designed to supply 100 kilowatt-hours of power per month to the TVA system through the Green Power Switch Generation Partners® demonstration project.
The demonstration project is offered by TVA and participating distributors of TVA power to support increased generation and use of green power in the Tennessee Valley. Power purchased through the project will be made available to subscribers of Green Power Switch®, a renewable energy program offered by TVA and more than 60 local power companies. Green Power Switch® gives consumers the option of buying green power to supply a portion of the electricity used in their home or business.
“We welcome the Hatfields as the first Green Power Switch Generation Partner® in Mississippi,” said TVA Chairman Glenn McCullough Jr., who praised Prentiss County Electric Power Association for being one of the first distributors to join the demonstration project. “Not only does Prentiss County EPA provide the vital link between the technology, the TVA power grid and the consumer, but it also provides the technical expertise to ensure that the green power is delivered effectively.”
The GPS Generation Partners demonstration is open to new participants through Dec. 31, 2005. Participants receive a credit on their power bill of 15 cents per kilowatt hour for green power produced from qualifying solar or wind energy generation systems. Residential consumers may also be eligible for a one-time incentive payment of $500 from TVA for participation.
“We appreciate TVA for offering this product to the power distributors and our customers,” said Prentiss County EPA General Manager Ronny Rowland. “Speaker McCoy and the state of Mississippi have been instrumental in this project, which provides reliable power while recognizing the importance of the environment.”
Other distributors of TVA power in the Generation Partners demonstration include Caney Fork Electric Cooperative in McMinnville, Tenn.; Dickson Electric Department in Dickson, Tenn.; Harriman Utility Board in Harriman, Tenn.; Sevier County Electric System in Sevierville, Tenn.; Lenoir City Utilities Board in Lenoir City, Tenn.; Tri- State Electric Membership Corporation in McCaysville, Ga.; Mountain Electric Cooperative in Mountain City, Tenn.; Electric Power Board of Chattanooga in Chattanooga, Tenn.; Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation in Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Nashville Electric Service in Nashville, Tenn.; and Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative in Savannah, Tenn.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 8.5 million consumers in seven southeastern states.
Media Contact:
Amy Tate, Tupelo, (662) 690-3403
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000
