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New efforts show co-op's environmental stewardship
 By Walter Allread
Two new efforts by York Electric Cooperative color the cooperative two shades "greener" than ever. This month, the co-op introduces a Trade A Tree program to help members replace trees that must be removed by the co-op to ensure service reliability. York Electric Cooperative is also making its Rock Hill office 100% "green" by regularly purchasing enough Green Power, or electricity generated from renewable resources, to equal the power typically used at the office each month.
Both efforts highlight the co-op's commitment to environmental leadership, President & CEO Paul Basha says.
Saving members money
In the Trade A Tree program, York Electric Cooperative will issue coupons to approved members to purchase replacement trees. The coupons, worth up to $150, can be redeemed at area nurseries.
"It saves members money long-term for us to pay for trees rather than the co-op having to repeatedly trim trees that grow too close to power lines," Basha says. "Plus, rather than being left with a bare area on their property, the members will still have a tree."
He adds, "Another benefit is that by planting trees, we reduce carbon dioxide." Trees and plants "inhale" carbon dioxide to grow and "exhale" oxygen, Basha notes. "It's kind of a triple win," he says.
York Electric employees involved in the co-op's right-of-way maintenance effort will visit members' homes to determine if trees near co-op lines need to be removed. If so, they will issue a coupon.
Currently, three local nurseries — Lee's and Rolling Hills in Rock Hill and Stacy's Garden Center in York — will redeem the coupons. Other nurseries are being recruited to accept Trade a Tree coupons, Basha says.
The cooperative can advise members on proper tree-planting tips, Basha adds. "Keeping trees and other vegetation clear of power lines not only helps keep the lights on but also promotes safety for people and wildlife," he notes.
Setting a 'green' example
Like Trade a Tree, the co-op's Green Power purchases for its Rock Hill office show York Electric's commitment to environmental stewardship, Basha adds.
The cooperative for several years has offered its members the opportunity to purchase Green Power. Support from residential members continues to grow, and Basha says it is hoped that other business, commercial and industrial members will follow the co-op's lead and become a Green Power Partner. Businesses, like York Electric, that regularly buy renewable energy can use the Green Power Partner designation to demonstrate their concern for the environment, he says. "We want to set the example and take a leadership role going forward," Basha says.
Green Power is electricity generated using renewable resources for fuel, such as methane gas found in landfills. York Electric Cooperative and other co-ops across the state sell Green Power generated by the state-owned Santee Cooper, the co-ops' chief power supplier. All Green Power proceeds go toward developing additional renewable resources in South Carolina.
"The environmental benefits stay right here in the state," Basha says.
Related Links:
Trade A Tree »
Green Power »
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