Green Works is Pedernales Electric’s ongoing effort to encourage the use of renewable technologies, environmental responsibility, and conservation activities. Our initiatives include:

• Setting a goal to reduce residential and commercial electric use by up to 20 percent. The goal was approved in a resolution passed at the September 15, 2008, PEC Board meeting.
• Setting a goal to purchase or generate up to 30 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The goal was approved in a resolution passed at the October 20, 2008, PEC Board meeting.
• Approving the purchase of approximately 90 megawatts of renewable electricity from AEP Energy Partners. PEC is buying wind power generated by the South Trent Wind Farm, which began commercial operations January 7, 2009.
• Reducing the charge for our renewable power rate to encourage participation. We have decreased the premium for renewable electricity by 75 percent, and it is now only $0.005 (half of one cent) more per kilowatt-hour than standard energy charges.
• Minimizing the environmental impact of PEC business practices. We have extended our recycling efforts, and in 2008 PEC recycled more than 30 tons of paper at eight offices, saving more than 200,000 gallons of water and enough energy to power the average American home for 15 years. PEC also is exploring the use of biodegradable oil in our transformers and furthering containment efforts in substations. We also are using organic fertilizer on PEC property and limiting the types and uses of herbicides at PEC facilities.
• Introducing the PEC Home Energy Center, an online tool designed to help members conserve electricity, save on monthly bills, and reduce carbon emissions.
• Purchasing hybrid vehicles whenever possible to reduce emissions from our company fleet.
• Educating our members about the benefits of compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). Because CFLs use less electricity and last much longer than standard incandescent bulbs, PEC members using them help prevent carbon dioxide emissions and save money with less electric use. Check out these links for more information about the benefits of CFLs, and go to our PEC Home Energy Center for personalized information about conserving electricity.
• Eliminating the interconnection fee differential to lessen the financial burden for members who install small power production equipment like solar panels. The service availability charge for interconnection now equals the charge for residential and farm/ranch members.
• Encouraging green ideas from students through the 2010 Youth Tour Contest. This year's contest asked students to write an essay considering renewable, green energy and its possible impact on Pedernales Electric and the state of Texas.
• Using solar energy to supplement electric use at our Oak Hill Office. Our solar panels generate an average 1.2 kilowatts in a 10-hour daylight period and saved about $475 in the past 12 months on electric bills.
• Assisting communities in our service area with writing grants to obtain federal stimulus funding for their local energy efficiency and conservation efforts. PEC sponsored a training workshop with the State Energy Conservation Office, and community representatives discussed the feasibility of potential projects and the application process.
• Promoting conservation tips monthly in print advertisements and Texas Co-op Power magazine. Most of these tips require little expense or effort, but their cumulative effect on reducing electric use can be substantial.
• Continuing our HVAC Rebate Program. HVAC systems can account for more than 50 percent of a member's energy consumption, so we provide rebates to those who install energy-efficient units. In 2007, PEC paid more than $548,000 in rebates to members who upgraded their HVAC systems.
• Implementing our Commercial Lighting Rebate Program. This program offers incentives to help commercial members reduce their electric costs by installing efficient lighting in new or existing commercial buildings.
• Providing home energy audits. We'll come to your home and show you specific ways to reduce your electric use and lower monthly bills.
• Providing links to environmental web sites. Better environmental stewardship begins with education, and our members can find a great deal of information about conservation, environmental matters, and green living/building at these sites.
• Providing tree-for-tree replacement during construction at PEC offices. In addition to keeping neighborhoods green, trees reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and can help reduce electric use by shading buildings.
• Continuing our annual Christmas tree recycling program. We will recycle bare, natural Christmas trees into mulch and distribute the mulch among area parks and playgrounds..