North Myrtle Beach - Green Power Purchasing

Summary

Under Santee Cooper's Green Power program, North Myrtle Beach is the state’s third "Green Power City." North Myrtle Beach is purchasing 125 200-kWh blocks of electricity per month. The green power is produced by a methane-fueled generating station at the Horry County Solid Waste Authority's landfill, located outside Conway off S.C. Highway 90. Currently, there are seven cities purchasing green power from Santee Cooper. In addition to the cities, other customers are also purchasing green power. Residential customers may purchase green power in 100-kWh blocks for a premium of $3.00. The price for businesses is based on overall power consumption. "Green Power Partners" are commercial customers who have agreed to purchase a specific percentage of their overall annual electric usage from the Green Power Program, typically between 2% and 5%. All revenue from the sale of green power is used to fund additional renewable energy projects. To date, residential and commercial customers have purchased more than 9,000 100-kWh blocks of green power. Additionally, more than 200 businesses have signed on as Green Power Partners in Horry, Georgetown and Berkeley counties. Santee Cooper's Green Power Program was launched in September of 2001. The Green Power Program is Green-e accredited. 19 of the state's 20 electric cooperatives participate. The resources are >99% landfill gas (methane) and <1% solar. Santee Cooper owns all renewable generation, currently 3 landfills and 1 solar demonstration project for a total of 14.2 megawatts.