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Renewable Energy
 
   
   
WindSense
 
WindSense Minnesota Power's new renewable wind energy program is taking flight. Now, residential and small commercial customers can support the purchase of electric energy that has been produced by the wind.

For almost 100 years, Minnesota Power has produced your electricity primarily from two energy sources: low sulfur, western coal and renewable hydropower. Through the terms of a 15-year agreement, Minnesota Power is purchasing half the output of three new wind generators owned by Great River Energy at Chandler Hills Wind Farm in southwestern Minnesota.

FAQs | Subscription Form (pdf)

The cost to produce wind energy is higher than the cost of producing electricity from coal or hydropower. As a result, wind energy provided under this program will include a small surcharge ($2.50 per unit) to cover the additional cost of acquiring this renewable resource. We sell wind generated electric energy in 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) blocks. So, if you decide to choose wind power, you would pay an additional charge of $2.50 per 100-kilowatt-hour block per month.
Examples
1 block of 100 kWh $2.50
2 blocks of 100 kWh $5.00
3 blocks of 100 kWh $7.50
4 blocks of 100 kWh $10.00
5 blocks of 100 kWh $12.50
6 blocks of 100 kWh $15.00
7 blocks of 100 kWh $17.50
So if you use 700 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month (typical household use) and you choose to utilize wind power for all your electricity needs, your electric bill would be an additional $17.50 more per month. However, you may buy as many or as few blocks of 100 kilowatt-hours of wind energy as you’d like. The choice is yours.


We don't want you to think we can direct each electron from the wind turbine to your meter. That's not physically possible. Wind power flows into the power grid, where it's mixed with electricity from all the other regional sources. However, by financially supporting renewable wind energy, you'll support the growth of wind generation in the state. In addition, you'll help us determine if additional wind generation should be built to meet customer demand.

Learn more about electricity produced by the wind: Frequently Asked Questions

To purchase electricity produced by the wind, you can call 722-5642 ext. 2824 or 1-800-228-4966(Minnesota only) ext. 2824 and ask for a WindSense brochure. It includes a postage-paid subscription agreement for you to fill out and return. Or you can print the subscription agreement here and mail it in. Please allow at least six weeks for your WindSense subscription to be noted on your bill.