In either case, the rate they are charged is based on the incremental cost of producing electricity with wind instead of from traditional fossil fuel sources. However, residential customers may also opt to purchase the equivalent of 100 percent of their electricity from wind. Under the business program, the block price can vary by customer but the same concept applies. Many customers want to be able to budget with certainty how much their bill will go up each month as a result of their participation in the program. Because businesses vary in size from very small to very large, it made more sense to allow customers to choose a payment level they were comfortable with and adjust the block size accordingly.
Some businesses are interested in purchasing energy from the wind for specific product lines.
Other businesses are interested in purchasing specific percentages to represent different aspects of their business. Because each business is unique, it made sense to allow for both flexible block sizes as well as flexible percentage participation. Secondary Use MGE will encourage secondary use by customers once standards have been established and approved. We are compiling a waiting list of customers who are interested in participating. We have capped participation at this level while MGE considers its future plans.