Conserve & Save® Rebates

 

Carbon Footprint

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of them. It is emitted to the atmosphere through natural processes as well as human activities such as burning fossil fuels for electricity generation, transportation, and industrial use. The amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases an individual is responsible for over time is known as their “carbon footprint”.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Carbon-based energy sources remain integral to modern energy production. As Minnesota moves toward a more sustainable future, many residents are working to reduce their carbon footprint. These efforts include using LED bulbs, installing ENERGY STAR® appliances, properly insulating homes, and recycling.

For those seeking another way to make a difference, renewable energy offers an effective solution by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Energy harnessed from renewable sources (i.e., sunlight, wind, and flowing water) is inexhaustible unlike energy derived from fossil fuels. While not all individuals can install solar panels or personal wind turbines at their homes, renewable energy can still be supported by purchasing carbon offsets from Rochester Public Utilities (RPU).

A carbon offset represents a reduction in carbon greenhouse gas emissions that compensates for, or offsets, emissions made elsewhere. When RPU produces energy from renewable sources, it tracks that production through Renewable Energy Credits (RECs, pronounced “reks”) via the Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS).

Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)

A REC represents one megawatt-hour (1 MWh), equivalent to 1,000 kWh, of renewable electricity and offsets one metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions. RECs are unique, serialized credits that must be attached to electricity produced from qualifying renewable sources as defined by the State of Minnesota. For RPU, such qualifying sources are the Lake Zumbro Hydro Plant and the Valleyhigh Solar Installation. The average annual output of the Lake Zumbro Hydro Plant is approximately 13,000 megawatt-hours. RPU receives one REC for each megawatt-hour of renewable electricity it generates.

How You Can Participate

RPU offers its customers the opportunity to purchase RECs when they are available. By purchasing RECs, customers support RPU’s renewable electricity generation while offsetting their carbon footprint.

To purchase RECs, customers can complete the REC Purchase Agreement Form linked below and return it to RPU. Participants receive an official certificate listing their participation level, date period (each REC is valid for a 12-month period), and the serial numbers of the RECs they purchased.

Since RPU must maintain a reserve balance of RECs, participation in this program is available on a first-come, first-served basis. RECs expire after 12 months and participants will be automatically re-enrolled unless RPU receives a cancellation notice.

Links

If you have questions or would like additional information regarding the REC program, please call RPU Customer Care at 507-280-1500.