Wind Power FAQs

1. Why use WGES CleanSteps^® WindPower?
2. Where does WGES CleanSteps^® WindPower come from?
3. Will I have to get new power lines or install special equipment to receive WGES CleanSteps^® WindPower?
4. Will I get a separate bill from WGES?
5. Will wind power cause any service interruptions?
6. What is Green-e Energy?

1. Why use WGES CleanSteps^® WindPower?

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   WGES CleanSteps^® WindPower improves regional air quality. It displaces power from oil, natural gas or coal and avoids the environmental and health impacts associated with drilling, mining, transporting and burning carbon-based fuels. The more wind power you use, the more you'll help decrease the emissions produced from these carbon-based fuels. Every 10,000 kilowatt hours of WGES CleanSteps^® WindPower, has the environmental equivalency of taking one car off the road for a full year.

2. Where does WGES CleanSteps^® WindPower come from?

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   For residential and small business customers: WGES CleanSteps^® WindPower is local: It comes from wind farms located within our regional electricity grid.

   To see a map of wind farms from which WGES buys green power, click here. In 2010 and 2011, WGES purchased wind power from Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Indiana. WGES is one of the first suppliers to purchase power from Maryland’s very first wind farm, located in Garrett County.

   Large business customers: can choose locally or nationally sourced WGES CleanSteps^® WindPower.

3. Will I have to get new power lines or install special equipment to receive WGES CleanSteps^® WindPower?

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   No special equipment is needed. You will receive your electricity as you have always done from your utility company. Your utility company will continue to provide emergency and other services, as well.

4. Will I get a separate bill from WGES?

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   Residential and small commercial customers will continue to receive your monthly electricity bill from your current utility, with WGES charges itemized separately on the same bill. Large commercial customers can choose utility or customized billing, depending on their unique situation.

5. Will wind power cause any service interruptions?

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   WGES CleanSteps^® WindPower won't cause interruptions in your electricity service. You'll benefit from the same reliability of service you've come to expect. Your utility company will continue to maintain distribution systems.

6. What is Green-e Energy?

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   All WGES CleanSteps^® WindPower is Green-e Energy certified. Green-e Energy was established by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions to provide information and an objective standard for consumers to compare renewable energy options and to verify that consumers get what they pay for. For more information on Green-e Energy certification requirements, call 1-888-63-GREEN or visit to www.green-e.org.