NC GreenPower was created in 2003 to help promote alternative energy in the state.

The program accepts public donations, and channels the money to the small, private electricity producers that use renewable energy sources. The 17 producers that work through NC GreenPower sell their electricity to Progress Energy and Duke Power. Public donations to NC GreenPower subsidize the cost of producing that renewable energy.

Customers can donate to NC GreenPower through their monthly utility bill payments. The utility will forward the donation to NC GreenPower.

NC GreenPower's 7,600-plus donors statewide represent just .019 percent of the state's utility customers.

The minimum monthly donation is $4 for a residential consumer. Donations are accepted in $4 increments.

The minimum accepted from a business is $250 a month.

Donations also can be made directly to the organization in any amount.

The contributions are tax-deductible because NC GreenPower is a 501(c)(3) charity.

For more information, contact NC GreenPower at: 716-6398 or toll free at (866)-533-6247; or you can send e-mail to info@ncgreenpower.org.

Home page: www.ncgreenpower.org

To sign up with NC GreenPower: www.ncgreenpower.org/signup/

JOHN MURAWSKI