By Sara Strong
Luverne utility customers wanting to use wind energy have that option starting in August.
Customers will get a detailed brochure with their bills, but essentially, the city is required to provide green power, or renewable energy sources to its customers. The city already uses primarily hydro-electric power, but the state is requiring more options beginning this summer.
Called green power, Luverne customers can elect to spend an extra $2 a month per 100 kilowatt hours to get a portion of their electric use from wind-generated electricity.
The added fee will cover the city's own extra costs from wind power. The city is charged an additional $1.50 per 100 kilowatt hours (or 1 block) by Missouri River Energy. The extra cost is charged to Luverne because wind power costs more because of large capital expenses to start the towers. The city will also use part of the $2 fees to market the green power, as required by the state.
Other cities in Minnesota have "gone green" in the past, and customers supported the option, even though the cost is slightly higher per month. Some cities sold out their electric blocks in contracts and had to erect additional towers to meet demand so the fee wasn't a deterrent.
Customers can purchase any number of blocks in year-long contracts.
The council hoped that by setting the monthly fee at $2, it would encourage more customers to sign on for the wind energy than a higher fee might.
Water ban
The Luverne City Council Tuesday night discussed the possibility of drastically increasing the cost of water. Heavy users, mostly those sprinkling lawns, are causing stress on Luverne's water system.
The city has imposed a watering ban for lawns, but some residents have said they won't follow it.
Because of the dry conditions and heavy water use, next week one of the city's wells may have to be capped and another dug. The council said it is prepared to make water use a serious issue for Luverne.
The SheriffÕs Department can enforce the water ban, which is punishable as a misdemeanor offense.
During water bans, residents can hand water new sod, grass seed, shrubs, bushes and gardens. Entire lawns shouldnÕt be watered. Sprinklers are banned because they lose water as they spray.
The council reviewed patterns of water usage during the discussion. A unit of water is the equivalent of 750 gallons of water. About two-thirds of the cityÕs customers use less than 10 units a month.
June meter readings show some customers using as much as 80 or more units of water.
Councilman Jim Kirchhofer said, "Water is a natural resource that we all have to share."
Councilman David Hauge said selfishly aiming for a perfect, green lawn in a time of water shortage warrants some sort of council action.
The council discussed higher fees during watering bans or general increases for high usage, year round, even if a ban isn't in place.
The city asked for public input on the water policy.