Runestone Electric Association will help you to interconnect your own electric generation equipment with our system. Your safety and the safety of our employees is of the utmost importance, therefore all interconnection applications are contingent on the equipment and interconnection obtaining certification from a State of Minnesota licensed state electrical inspector. Advanced planning is required and it is highly recommended that you contact us at the beginning of your planning process to assist with your project. We are utilizing Nova Power Portal for the interconnection process of Distributed Energy Resources for our members. Please follow the link below to browse interconnection information, track the status of projects, and learn more about installing your own renewable energy system.

Get started on your interconnection application here

Get started on your interconnection application through
Nova Power Portal »

Interconnection Document Library »

For more information, please contact REA.

Financial results may vary.  A typical residential installation may expect a 14-15 year return on investment (ROI) or 7% annual returns.

The Wellspring program provides co-op members with an easy, affordable and meaningful way to support sustainable energy efforts. This program enables you to offset your conventional energy use and take pride in helping promote and expand renewable energy development.

Small acts can make a big impact. As more members support the program, more opportunities arise to generate power from renewable sources. Together, we can power the future.

What does participating in Wellspring mean?
Wellspring is a voluntary program offered to our members. While the electricity that is delivered to all homes includes some renewable energy in the mix, including wind and solar, participating in the Wellspring program is an added bonus.

How does the program work?

• An average home uses 800 – 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month
• You can purchase Wellspring energy in 100 kWh blocks
• Eight to 10 blocks is equivalent to an average home’s monthly electric use
• Participating members pay an additional amount on their electric bills

How long do I have to stay on the program?
You must remain on the program for at least 12 months. After 12 months, you may discontinue participation at any time.

Where is Wellspring wind energy produced?
Wind energy is produced from large wind turbines located mainly in southern Minnesota, while the solar energy is produced by Great River Energy solar resources throughout the state of Minnesota. At the start of 2019, nearly 13 megawatts (MW) of wind generation were dedicated to the Wellspring wind program. In 2020, wind resources will account for 663 MW of Great River Energy’s total generation capacity. Currently, Great River Energy solar resources account for nearly 2 MW of total generation capacity. Approximately 550 kW are dedicated to the Wellspring solar program.

What exactly am I buying?
Those who participate in the Wellspring program are purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs). For every 1,000 kWhs of clean, renewable electricity generation, a REC is created. A REC embodies all of the environmental attributes of the generation and can be tracked separately from the underlying electricity. We are providing Wellspring energy to you through our investments as a generation and transmission cooperative.

Is the Wellspring energy supplied directly to my home?
No. The electricity generated by the wind turbines and solar panels is fed into the region’s electric system called the grid. It is like pouring a pitcher of water into a pond. Once it is poured into the pond, you cannot get the water from the pitcher back out again. The same holds true for recapturing wind and solar-generated electricity from the grid. It is there and available to use, but to deliver the exact electrons generated by the wind turbine or the solar panel is not possible. The wind and solar power you purchase replaces electricity that would have been generated by conventional fossil fuels.

Will I still receive conventional power sources?
You will receive a mix of power sources. You won’t be able to distinguish whether the electrons flowing into your home are generated by wind, solar or another resource. But, you can be assured the commitment to purchase Wellspring wind and solar Energy help lessen our reliance on fossil fuels.

Will power in my home be dependent on the wind blowing or the sun shining?
No. Your power will continue as usual because additional generation is built to ensure power is supplied when the wind is not blowing or the sun is not shining.

Can we generate all our electricity from wind and solar?
No. Wind and solar are great ways to meet some of our electricity needs. However, wind and solar do not generate all of our electricity needs because the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine all the time.

Who can participate?
To qualify for the program you must live in Runestone Electric Association’s service territory.

Wellspring Wind Energy Runestone Electric Association cares about maintaining a healthy environment for our generation and those to come. Our power supplier Great River Energy is constantly looking for ways to bring you a variety of clean energy options, such as our Wellspring® Renewable Wind Energy program.Wellspring Wind Energy allows our members to ensure the energy they consume comes from a renewable source like the wind. You can purchase a kilowatt-hour (kWh) of wind power by adding only .02¢ to REA’s current electric rate. Wellspring can be purchased in blocks of 100 kWhs using the form below.

Click here to sign up for Wellspring Renewable Wind Energy

Wellspring Solar Energy Runestone Electric Association cares about maintaining a healthy environment for our generation and those to come. Our power supplier Great River Energy is constantly looking for ways to bring you energy options, such as our Wellspring® Renewable Wind and Solar Energy program.Wellspring Solar Energy allows our members to ensure the energy they consume comes from a renewable source like solar. You can purchase a kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar power by adding 2¢ to REA’s current electric rate. Wellspring can be purchased in block of 100 kWhs using the form below.

Click here to sign up for Wellspring Renewable Solar Energy