Central Vermont Public Service recently brought its 10th “Cow Power” project online and expand­ed the generating capacity at some of its existing farms.

New construction projects in­clude a 300-kW generator at Ver­mont Technical College in Ran­dolph Center.

CVPS recently put out a call for new Cow Power customers large and small, as the farm-generation program is now generating an en­ergy production surplus.

Cow Power generators run on the methane in cow manure; the pro­cess can also reduce manure odors and pollution run-off on farms.

“With the completion of several projects, energy production has surpassed the level of cus­tomer demand for the first time,” said Renewable Energy Program Manager Dave Dunn. “With several more projects in the pipeline for 2012 and beyond, we are looking for new supporters to help ensure that farm-based renewable energy development can continue cost- effectively for dairy farm owners in Vermont.”

CVPS is working to support four new cow power projects across the state, both inside and outside its service territory. Several existing CVPS Cow Power farms are also in the midst of expanding their gen­eration capacity.

“We need new customers to enroll in Cow Power to give these farms the same opportunity as their predecessors to create ener­gy, improve their bottom lines, and deliver environmental benefits to Vermont,” CVPS spokesman Steve Costello said.

The program has also stimulated net-metered, small-scale generators at Neighborly Farms in Randolph Center, Keewaydin Dairy Farm in Stowe, and Joneslan Farm in Hyde Park.

CVPS customers can choose to register all, half, or a quarter of their electrical energy through the program, and pay a premium of 4¢ per kilowatt hour. The funds go to participating farm-producers to purchase renewable energy cred­its when enough farm energy isn’t available, or to the CVPS Renew­able Development Fund. The fund provides grants and project support to farm owners to develop on-farm generation.

“Our customers have put over $3 million in the program so far through their enrollment in CVPS Cow Power,” Dunn said. “The 4¢ contribution makes a difference for all of these projects and helps provide positive cash flow.”

The program currently has 3300 voluntary customers, 205 of them commercial customers. The 4¢ premium pays farmers for the re­newable and environmental value created by their projects.

Beer Power?

Long Trail Brewing Company partners with CVPS and Cow Pow­er because it matches up well with its own sustainability program, Eco Brewing by Long Trail.

“This program includes water conservation, a heat recovery sys­tem, and a direct tie-in to Cow Pow­er, whereby Long Trail provides eight tons of spent mash every day to local dairy farms in Vermont,” said Long Trail President Brian Walsh said. “Long Trail is commit­ted to supporting local dairy farm­ers and working with our local util­ity, CVPS, in providing long-term sustainable power.”

Since 2005, CVPS Cow Power farms have delivered over 47 mil­lion kilowatt-hours of locally pro­duced renewable energy to CVPS customers.

When supply outstrips customernew