MSLK Converts to Windpower

windpower1.jpg

It was so easy, you can do it too. In NY the steps are this simple:

  1. Go ConEd Solutions
  2. Click “Enroll Now”
  3. After you enter your info, ConEd gives you a choice of whether you’d like to choose “Green Power,” which is generated from 65% small hydroelectric and 35% wind, or “Wind Power,” which is 100% wind. MSLK chose wind.
  4. ConEd makes things even more complicated by giving you a choice between paying a fixed rate or a variable rate for the additional cost. Don’t get too stressed out here because they make it look more intimidating than it should be. For one, ConEd isn’t really showing you the grand total of how much your love of the environment is going to cost you… it almost feels like they are purposely hiding it because it will be expensive, but it is not…

I did a little research. In August, MSLK used 600 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of standard power and the rate was $.10 per kWh.Green Power is an additional $.01 per kWh if you choose a variable rate and an additional $.054 per kWh with the fixed rate. Wind Power is an additional $.025 per kWh if you choose a variable rate and an additional $.069 per kWh with the fixed rate.

I recommend the variable option because it is cheaper, and upon closer inspection, the last 6 months have all been well below the pricing ConEd is offering you to lock-in as a fixed rate.Based on our 600 kWh in August, it costs MSLK an additional $15 a month to be “wind powered”. Plus, as an incentive, you no longer have to pay sales tax, which whittles that cost down even more. Not bad, considering by switching to Wind, I can say that I am supporting energy that is cultivated without harming our natural resources. The “standard” mix of energy comes from 29% coal, 22% nuclear, 22% natural gas, 13% oil, 13% large hydroelectric, and a bunch of other bad stuff.Sorting out step #4 was the hardest part. Filling out the online form took 1 minute. I actually feel better already.