Rep. Mac Collins

joined with the Georgia EMCs Monday at Southface Energy Institute in Atlanta

to announce the formation of a new electric cooperative, Green Power EMC.

"Tapping

into renewable energy sources like landfill gas represents a perfect solution

for consumers, environmental advocates and Georgia's electric co-ops,"

said Collins.

The first Green

Power EMC projects utilize biomass energy from four north and middle Georgia

landfills.

"Although

these sources are free in their raw form, the technology to capture the

energy they produce is more expensive than with traditional fuels,"

said Green Power EMC President Michael Whiteside. "The majority of

EMC members surveyed are aware of this and are willing to pay a bit more

for power produced this way."

The first site

at Richland Creek Landfill in Gwinnett County is expected to be operational

next fall. Green Power EMC projects that wind, solar and hydroelectric

energy sources will be added to its generating capacity by 2003.

For more information,

contact Coweta-Fayette EMC at 770-502-0226.