You may have gotten a flyer in one of your power bills announcing a new “Green Energy” program.  DeKalb County and Georgia Power recently joined forces to launch the first county developed, and owned, electric generation facility of its kind in the state.  The “Green Energy” plant at the Seminole Landfill produces electricity from a renewable and sustainable biomass fuel resource.

The landfill takes in about 1,700 tons of municipal solid waste daily. As the garbage decomposes, methane gas, a natural byproduct, is generated. Before the “Green Energy” plant went online, the methane gas was burned off to reduce the hazard of gas buildup. Now, the new facility at the landfill collects the methane gas from the naturally decaying waste and uses it to power electric generators and produce “green electrical energy.”

The facility produces 3.2 mega watts of electricity each hour. With exceptions for maintenance, etc., it operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

“Green Energy” programs can help our environment and our community by: conserving our fossil fuel resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and providing businesses and homes with a stable source of alternative energy.

The program is now available to residential customers in 100-kilowatt-hour blocks and requires a 12-month subscription. Each block costs $4.50 (plus tax).

For more information, call 1-800-735-7791. Or, visit the Georgia Power Web site at the link below.  

 

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