The University of Denver College of Law is looking to contract with the local utility, Xcel Energy, to purchase "green" power from its Windsource Program. The program provides electricity from 43 wind turbines located at the Ponnequin Wind Facility in northern Colorado. The University\'s contract to purchase wind power would meet the intent of EA Credit 6.0 - to encourage the development and use of grid-source energy technologies on a net zero pollution basis - and would meet the requirements of a two year contract while also contributing to the further growth and availability of a renewable energy source in Colorado and for surrounding states. Without Xcel being a member of the Green-e Program, will this credit be met?
If Green-e rated power is not available in the project\'s region, other sources of green power may be eligible for consideration. The alternative source must satisfy the criteria of the Green-e program, which is detailed on page 163 of the LEED Reference Guide (formatted version of June 2001). When submitting your documentation, have the program director of the Windsource Program of Xcel Energy write a letter addressing all the key requirements of the Green-e program. Also include a copy of the two-year contract for green power for the full building load. In summary, the requirements to satisfy this credit are as follows: 1. Period: Sign a two-year contract to purchase renewable power. 2. Amount: The full building load should be from renewable sources. 3. Criteria: Specify Green-e certified power or comparable renewable energy that satisfies the five rules established by the Green-e Program.