Renewable Energy - Lowell Light and Power

What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy is electricity that comes from sources that produce little or no emissions. Such unlimited, naturally replenished sources include sunlight, wind, waves, geothermal (heat from the Earth), biomass (organic matter) and landfill gas. This type of energy is “naturally replenishing but flow limited,” according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Although renewables are inexhaustible, the amount of power produced in a specific time period is restricted. So how does renewable energy fit into the larger (energy) picture?

According to the University of Michigan (U-M) Center for Sustainable Systems, about 80% of the nation’s energy comes from fossil fuels, 8.4% from nuclear power and 11.4% from renewable sources. Wind and solar are the fastest-growing renewable sources; however, they provide just 3.8% of the total energy used in the U.S., according to the U-M center.

In 2019, renewable energy sources accounted for about 17% of energy generation, according to the EIA. The administration projects that the share of renewables used for U.S. electricity generation will increase from 21% in 2020 to 42% in 2050.

Types of Renewable Energy

Wind Power, which is uses wind energy to make electricity. Wind occurs because the sun cannot heat the surface of the earth evenly. Today, wind energy is mainly used to generate electricity. In 2019, wind turbines were the source of approximately 7.3% of the total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation.

Geothermal Energy is energy garnered from the heat of the earth. This type of energy can be used in different ways depending on the resource and technology chosen, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOA). It can heat and cool homes and buildings through heat pumps, generate electricity via geothermal power plants, and heat structures directly.

Solar Power, or energy from the sun, is the most abundant energy resource on earth according to the DOA, with 173,000 terawatts of solar energy striking the earth continuously. That is more than 10,000 times the world’s total energy use. Solar panels that take in the sun’s energy are made of silicon photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity instead of heat (photovoltaic = photo as in light, and voltaic = electricity).

Hydroelectric power relies on the water cycle for power. According to the EIA, hydropower was one of the first sources used for electricity generation and it is the largest single renewable energy source for U.S. electricity generation. Besides dams, other forms of hydropower include waves and tides.

Biomass is organic material that comes from plants and animals. Examples of biomass include wood, agricultural crops; food, yard and wood waste in garbage; and animal manure and human sewage. According to the EIA, biomass fuels provided 5% of total primary energy use in the U.S. in 2019.

What are the Benefits?

A variety of benefits come from the use of renewable energy. These benefits include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, lower levels of air and wastewater pollutants. Benefits also include a decreased reliance on non renewable energy sources. such as coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy.

Voluntary Green Pricing Program

All Lowell Light & Power customers have the option to choose the amount of electricity purchases that come from renewable sources. Our Voluntary Green Pricing Program empowers customers to make the best decision for their home or business. Learn more in the FAQ’s below.

What is the Voluntary Green Pricing Program (VGP)?

Public Act 342, Section 61 requires that an electric provider offer its customers the opportunity to participate in a voluntary green pricing program. Under the VGP, the customer can specify, from the options made available by the electric provider, the amount of electricity attributable to that customer that will be renewable.

Is there an additional cost associated with this program?

Yes. Customers participating in this program will receive an additional charge per kWh, currently set at $0.01, for the specified amount of electricity that is renewable.

Once enrolled, how long do I have to remain in the VGP program?

There are no requirements on the length of time you must remain in the program. All voluntary participants will remain enrolled until you provide a written request of termination.

How much of my electricity can I elect to come from renewable energy?

You have the option of choosing 25%, 50%, 75% or 100%.

How do I enroll in the program?

Complete the enrollment form on the Michigan Public Power Association’s (MPPA) website. MPPA is a not-for-profit joint action agency who works collectively with municipal-owned utilities to share energy supply and related services to lower costs, reduce risks, and leverage expertise.

The information you provide will be submitted directly to Lowell Light & Power. Then, our team will enroll you in the program.

Once you’re enrolled, you’ll see a line item on your bill that shows your VGP Program pricing. If you ever have questions, you can contact LL&P customer service directly.

Is the percentage of renewable energy I elect getting delivered to my home / business directly from a renewable energy source?

Unfortunately, it is physically impossible to distinguish and deliver individual electrons to specific homes or businesses. LL&P’s electricity is generated using multiple sources such as wind, coal and solar. This generated electricity gets pushed up into the “electric grid.” The grid is a vast network of wires that transmits electricity coming from all fuel sources. By choosing green power (purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates to match your consumption) you are ensuring that renewable electricity is being delivered to the power grid on your behalf.

Enroll in Voluntary Green Pricing Program

Learn More About LL&P’s Power Supply

Visit the Why Public Power? page to learn more about the benefits of public power and where we get our power supply.