Green Power Program

November 2011 marks 10 years since the first 8 wind turbines at the North Cape Wind Farm began operation. In 2002, their first full year of operation, these 8 turbines produced 2% of PEI’s electricity. Since then, the number of wind turbines installed in PEI has increased to the point where approximately 20% of the electricity used in PEI in 2010 was produced from wind power.

Part of the financing for the first 8 turbines a the North Cape Wind Farm involved Green Power premiums for 10 years from the Federal Government, The Government of PEI, and Green Power Program subscribers. The thinking in 2001 was that as fossil fuel prices rose over time, so too would the payments that Maritime Electric makes to the PEI Energy Corporation for the electricity generated by the 8 turbines. As we had anticipated, wind power has become more cost competitive with fossil fuels in the production of electricity such that the Green Power premiums are no longer required.

The development of wind power in PEI over the past 10 years has been a success that we believe all Islanders can take pride in. We want to thank the customers that participated in Maritime Electric’s Green Power Program. This participation during the past 10 years has been seen as an indication of ongoing support for wind power development in PEI.

Beginning in November 2011, Green Power premiums will no longer be included on participant’s electrical bill.

Thank you for the support of the Green Power Program.