Wind power replacing coal produced electricity in MPCA

Wind power — clean, renewable and beneficial to Minnesota’s economy — is replacing some of the coal-produced electricity that keeps the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s office warm and lit.Since December, the agency has drawn fourteen percent of its electricity from wind power instead of coal, the same amount that MPCA’s 100 staff members have chosen to use in their homes. The main goal is to reduce carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. Minnesota homes and businesses can convert some or all of their electricity to wind, called “green power,” by contacting local electricity providers. Currently wind power costs an additional $1.50 to $14 a month, depending on the percent of energy that’s converted. The MPCA recommends making up the difference by turning down the thermostat and adding insulation. More details are available at www.moea.state.mn.us/energy