Xcel
Energy WindSource Program (Residential -> Renewable Energy Options)
In case you didn't see the
article in the Star Tribune, Xcel Energy is offering a new program in Minnesota called "WindSource" that provides a way for consumers to purchase wind energy. In case you're interested in some of the details:
According to their application form: "Buying one [100kwh] block of Windsource for a year has the environmental benefit of planting a half-acre of trees or not driving a car 2,400 miles."
An interesting discussion of the proposal from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is available:
http://www.puc.state.mn.us/docs/orders/02-0066.pdf
The upshot is that, to meet the needs of WindSource subscribers, Xcel must contract for wind energy above and beyond what they would otherwise provide due to regulartory or legislative requirements. WindSource customers also are exempt from fossil-fuel cost adjustments. The Minnesota program costs an extra $2.00/100kwh, slightly less than a comparable program in Colorado at $2.50/100kwh:
http://ucsu.colorado.edu/~schneibd/ColoradoWindsource.htm