Allegheny Power has filed an application with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to offer a voluntary wind energy program to its customers in the state. This renewable energy program would give customers the opportunity to support the development of emission-free, renewable sources of electricity from wind farms located in Pennsylvania and other areas of the country.

Allegheny Power will partner with Community Energy, Inc., a leading wind energy marketer and developer, to implement and market the program. Customers will receive informational inserts and enrollment forms with their electric bills.

Residential, commercial and industrial customers will be able to participate in the program at various levels of support, with rates starting as low as an additional $2.50 per month. Customers can choose the participation level that best fits their budget.

Renewable energy is electricity generated from natural resources. These resources will never be depleted and do not release emissions into the air. It is estimated that signing up at $5 per month for 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy has the same environmental benefits as offsetting 3,000 pounds of carbon dioxide or not driving 3,400 miles in your car.

“We are excited to partner with Community Energy to give our customers the opportunity to support the development of energy from a renewable source,” said David E. Flitman, President, Allegheny Power. “This is only one of the many initiatives we are offering through our new Watt Watchers campaign, a compilation of programs designed to help our customers use energy wisely.”

Some of the other programs that Allegheny Power is developing for customers that will help drive efficiency and conservation to new levels include:

• Making energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs available to customers through partnerships with retailers, distributors and as part of energy-efficiency kits,
• Helping customers conduct home energy audits,
• Conducting workshops for business customers to encourage participation in utility demand reduction programs,
• Launching an automated metering pilot program to help customers better understand and manage their energy usage, and
• Educating students about energy conservation and how to reduce energy usage at home. Allegheny Power provided free educational materials for school students across its service territory this fall.

Certain programs are subject to review and approval by various state regulatory commissions