“uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç

Energie-Versorgung Schwaben (EVS) is seeking a suitable site for installation of a 500 kW wind turbine in order to fulfil the obligations of its "environmental tariff programme." By paying an extra DEM 0.01/kWh, electricity consumers in EVS' supply area are entitled to power generated from a mix of wind, hydro, and biomass plant. EVS introduced this programme in February 1996 in preference to another possible approach for expanding renewables. The regional supervisory authority for electricity matters will licence an increase in electricity tariffs of up to 3% to cover the additional costs incurred by a utility wishing to operate more renewable plant. Rather than burdening tariff customers across the board with the additional costs of renewables, EVS prefers to invite customers to volunteer to pay more.