EES to participate in Green Power
By Julie Fann
Star Staff
jfann@starhql.com
The Elizabethton Electric System agreed Tuesday
to participate in the Green Power Switch program for one year.
The program is a brainchild of the TVA to generate cleaner,
renewable energy across its seven-state region. EES customers
are not required to participate in the program but, instead,
can subscribe and pay a monthly contribution of $4 or more
to support it.
"It is important to us that EES customers understand
that their participation in this program is entirely voluntary
and that this does not mean their electric bill is going to
increase," said Brent Dugger, Marketing Director for Green
Power Switch. Dugger explained that, if a customer decides
to subscribe and add an additional $4 or more to their monthly
electric bill, that money will go directly to the TVA to help
harness alternative sources of reusable energy such as wind
and solar power that are better for the environment.
Subscribers to Green Power pay an extra $4 for
each block of 150 kilowatt hours they agree to buy. A 150-kilowatt
block represents about 12 percent of an average household's
monthly use. Since it is more costly to generate energy from
renewable sources than from conventional sources, such as
coal and nuclear power, subscribers must pay more to build
access to those sources.
When asked how EES customers who subscribe can
be assured that their money will be used only to support development
of Green Power, Dugger stated that a California-based auditor
will perform routine TVA audit checks to guarantee that subscriber
money won't be misappropriated. He also emphasized that a
subscriber's $4 monthly contribution guarantees helping the
TVA build access to renewable sources of energy and that it
does not mean that subscribers will be using that alternative
energy in their own homes.
Vice Chairman Howard Matherly initiated the motion
to approve participation in Green Power Switch. By entering
into a contract with TVA, either EES or TVA can terminate
the agreement one year from its effective date, or anytime
thereafter, by giving written notice at least 30 days prior
to the date of termination.
The EES board also addressed at its monthly meeting
a year-to-date 5.2 percent debt reduction and an excess in
funds of approximately one million dollars. EES Chairman Gary
Nave suggested that the excess money be earmarked to further
reduce debt. He also said that EES could use extra funds to
buy a five-year CD that currently have extremely low interest
rates. Investing in this way would be a smart way to reduce
debt while simultaneously increasing savings.
EES General Manager Phil Isaacs said in terms
of debt problems, "the worst is behind us." He reminded the
board of the need for three new vehicles as well as funds
for relocating power lines on Highway 91.
EES board member Richard Sammons firmly agreed
with Nave. The members believe it would be wiser to focus
now on debt reduction than on further spending.
