Green Power EMC's energy source is initially landfill gas harvested from three landfill sites around the state. Landfill gas is always present and must be burned off at larger landfills whether or not energy is generated. It is the most abundant and economical renewable resource in Georgia.

The first green power to be generated in the project came from Green Power EMC's Taylor County landfill site.

"Through the entire project, nine megawatts of energy is to be distributed annually," said Michael Whiteside, Green Power EMC president. "This amount can meet the energy needs of 5,600 homes. It also has the same environmental benefit as taking 84,000 cars off the road, planting 114,000 acres of forest, reducing the use of 1,890 railroad cars of coal, or eliminating 900,000 barrels of oil each year."

Customers who sign-up for green power through Walton EMC will pay an additional charge each month of $2.95 per 150 kilowatt-hour block.

A portion of each customer's cost is designated for a research and development fund, which will be used to help bring to market Georgia's other more costly, renewable resources. Those include wind, solar power and low-impact hydroelectric generation. "By signing up for green power, our members are on the leading edge in helping preserve our natural resources," said Whiteside.

In recognition of efforts to improve the environment by supporting the development of landfill gas energy projects, Green Power EMC is a "Landfill Methane Outreach Program Energy Partner" as designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Landfill Methane Outreach Program.

For more information on green power, visit waltonemc.com or greenpoweremc.com.

Established in 1936, Walton EMC is a consumer-owned electric cooperative with 110,000 accounts in ten Northeast Georgia counties between Atlanta and Athens.

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