MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Santee Cooper’s Green Power program hit a major milestone when it generated its 1 millionth megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity this week. That’s enough renewable energy to power more than 74,000 average-sized homes for a year.*
Santee Cooper’s 1 millionth MWh of Green Power was produced just before 1 p.m. yesterday, Aug. 25.
Santee Cooper was the first utility in South Carolina to generate renewable Green Power 14 years ago when it opened the Horry County Landfill Generating Station, which produces electricity from methane gas created by naturally decomposing garbage. Now with more than 28 megawatts of Green Power capacity, Santee Cooper’s Green Power portfolio has six landfill biogas stations, three solar arrays and one wind turbine.
“Santee Cooper’s proactive efforts to diversify our generating portfolio with Green Power have made us a leader in the state when it comes to renewables,” said Marc Tye, executive vice president of competitive markets and generation. “Green Power helps us achieve our mission to be the leading resource for improving the quality of life for South Carolinians, and it offers a practical, affordable option for people throughout the state who want to be stewards of the environment.”
Certified by Green-e Energy, Santee Cooper Green Power is produced from clean, renewable South Carolina resources that meet strict and specific national consumer and environmental standards. Since Santee Cooper dedicated the state’s first Green Power Generating Station at the Horry County Landfill in September 2001, additional landfill generating stations have opened in Lee, Richland, Anderson, Georgetown and Berkeley counties.
Santee Cooper solar generation comes from facilities at Coastal Carolina University, Technical College of the Lowcountry and the Grand Strand Solar Station. A small wind turbine in North Myrtle Beach contributes wind energy to the Green Power mix.
“Santee Cooper was a leader in the charge to bring Green Power to the state’s grid and to the people of South Carolina more than a decade ago. This marks another significant milestone in Santee Cooper and South Carolina’s renewable energy history,” said M. Anthony James, P.E., director of
South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff’s Energy Office. “I’d like to congratulate Santee Cooper on their commitment to Green Power and to the state.”
Most of Santee Cooper’s Green Power generating stations are on electric cooperative distribution systems. The cooperatives also promote Green Power to their own customers, who can voluntarily purchase it each month. Through the cooperative network and through sales to its own customers, Santee Cooper Green Power is reaching South Carolinians in every county of the state.
Santee Cooper also offers renewable energy sales for Green Power Events. One of the most visible events that has used Green Power for the past seven years is the Heritage Golf Tournament on Hilton Head Island. Other events like Darlington Raceway’s Southern 500, Celebrate the Season in Moncks Corner, Conway Riverfest, St. Stephen Catfish Festival and North Myrtle Beach’s Mayfest on Main also have been powered by Green Power.
All Green Power sales support additional renewable energy resources throughout the state. One way Green Power sales are used is through the Solar Schools program, which currently has 26 demonstration solar projects teaching sixth graders first-hand about renewable energy at middle schools around the state. The Solar Schools are demonstration projects and the solar power is used by the schools. For more information on Green Power and how to purchase it for your home, business or event, visit www.santeecooper.com/greenpower.
Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s largest power producer, largest Green Power generator and the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people across the state. Through its low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and jobs, Santee Cooper powers South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com.
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