Wind Energy

Renewable, wind-generated electricity offered

McLeod Cooperative Power offers its members renewable, wind energy. The Cooperative sells blocks of renewable energy, generated by wind turbines constructed at Chandler Hills Wind Farm in southwestern Minnesota.

Members may again sign-up to purchase wind energy in blocks of 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month. Cost to members is $.51 per 100 kWh block per month. This is in addition to your regular electric energy charges. A member purchasing one block would see an additional $.51 per month charge on their electric bill. A member purchasing ten blocks would pay a $5.10 per month premium.

This is a voluntary program. It allows members who are committed to the environment, or who want to see more renewable resources used to generate electricity, be able to partner with the Cooperative to make that happen. Wind is not a cheaper way to generate electricity than coal, especially considering the high cost of wind turbine construction. However, over the life of the turbine it will provide affordable electricity while reducing the consumption of non-renewable resources like coal, oil and natural gas.

Members who want to purchase renewable energy sign-up by contacting the Cooperative and must commit to the number of blocks of 100 kWh they wish to purchase. The amount purchased may not exceed the average kWh of that member’s monthly electric bill.

McLeod Cooperative Power, and our power supplier Great River Energy, are committed to making renewable energy part of our generation mix. Great River Energy currently has several wind turbines operating at Buffalo Ridge near Chandler, Minnesota. We are regularly looking at additional wind generation and new renewable technologies.

McLeod Cooperative Power members who are interested in owning their own wind turbine
should contact the Cooperative for a packet of helpful materials on wind generation and interconnection.