NC Renewables Mandate
NC General Statute 62-133.8 enacted by the NC General Assembly in August of 2007, requires electric cooperatives to ensure that a percentage of the electricity they sell is generated from renewable energy sources or energy efficiency programs. An incremental compliance schedule establishes that by 2018, ten percent of each cooperative’s energy sales must come from renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (REPS) Rider is listed on your bill and is adjusted annually to reflect the anticipated costs for compliance with the REPS mandate for that year for each customer class. The money collected through the REPS Rider covers the cost of new programs to reduce energy use. It also covers costs of participation in renewable energy projects both here in our service area, as well as joint projects with other North Carolina cooperatives.
Meeting the Mandate
Union Power participates in joint programs and initiatives that focus on energy efficiency and renewable resources. Part of our renewable resources portfolio is our participation in solar and wind energy projects with other electric cooperatives across the state.
Energy efficiency plays a big part in our meeting the REPS mandate. Helping members save energy is very important. Some examples include:
- Helping members manage their energy use by offering My Energy Report, an interactive email-based service that provides energy-saving tips and usage comparisons that encourage energy conservation
- Offering energy efficiency information on no-cost and low-cost measures through our monthly newsletter, Cooperative Review
- Assisting members with the purchase of high efficiency heating and cooling systems through our heat pump loan program
- Working with our member businesses to help them find energy efficiency solutions