Co-op members eligible for thousands of dollars in Green Energy Grants

Jo-Carroll Energy has announced that the cooperative's board of directors has unanimously voted to join the Illinois Renewable Energy Resources Program. Participation in the program makes Jo-Carroll Energy members eligible to apply for state grants to offset a portion of the costs associated with installing various types of renewable energy projects at their homes and businesses.

Jo-Carroll Energy member and Elizabeth resident Joan Harmet introduced a petition signed by approximately 250 members encouraging the cooperative to participate in the renewable energy program at the cooperative's 2007 annual meeting.

Starting with October bills, Jo-Carroll Energy will assess a charge of $.05 per month on each residential account and $.50 per month on each nonresidential account. This fee will be listed on member bills as the Renewable Energy Charge. The cooperative will send the money collected through this surcharge to the state, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will administer the program.

In addition to smaller projects, such as a single wind turbine or solar array at a private home, large renewable energy projects, such as Jo-Carroll Energy's proposed biomass-fueled power plant near Thomson, may apply for a grant.

Jo-Carroll Energy President and CEO Michael Hastings said a grant from the Renewable Energy Resources Program is one of several development incentives the cooperative is pursuing for its power plant project.

"This program presents an outstanding opportunity for all members of our cooperative to simultaneously save money and promote environmentally responsible energy policies," said Hastings.

Hastings also highlighted the board's action as prime example of the benefits of democratic member control.

"A motivated group of Jo-Carroll Energy members decided this program would benefit the cooperative, and they acted upon that belief in a proactive and constructive manner," Hastings said.

The program was established in 1997 by the state to promote the development of renewable energy technologies in Illinois. All investor-owned utilities, such as ComEd and Ameren, are required to participate. Cooperatives and municipal electric utilities may opt into the program if they so desire. Currently, four other Illinois electric cooperatives participate in the Renewable Energy Resources Program.