For Release: 01/19/2010

UPPCO Reduces Cost of NatureWise Renewable Energy

NatureWise program makes it possible to purchase your energy from renewable sources

Houghton, MI - Do you believe that investing in a greener tomorrow is the right thing to do today? Are you looking for a simple way to help the environment and preserve resources for future generations? Have you considered installing solar or wind generators at your home or business but were reluctant to make the commitment?

If you're a customer of Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO), the NatureWise program may be just what you're looking for. NatureWise enables you to buy blocks of electricity generated with renewable resources that are added to UPPCO's energy mix. In January 2010, UPPCO reduced the cost of its NatureWise residential energy to just $1.40 per 100 kilowatt-hour block! Business customers can also purchase NatureWise at commercial rates.

UPPCO's NatureWise program makes it possible for you to help decrease fossil-fuel generation without purchasing and maintaining renewable energy equipment yourself. Currently NatureWise energy is generated using wind power and biogas from landfills and manure digesters. Over a year's time, each block (100 kilowatt-hours per month) of NatureWise energy displaces the equivalent of 1,000 pounds of coal.

UPPCO sells residential NatureWise energy in monthly 100-kilowatt-hour blocks for $1.40 a block. (This charge is in addition to the standard electric charge.) You may purchase as many blocks as you wish, but all purchases must be in whole blocks. No contract is required, and you may cancel at any time.

For complete description of the program and answers to frequently asked questions, visit UPPCO's Web site at www.uppco.com. Select Residential or Business, depending upon which applies to you.

You can also learn more or enroll in NatureWise over the phone. Residential customers may call UPPCO's 24-hour Customer Service number at 800-562-7680. A special program is available to business customers by calling the Business Solutions Center at 800-337-8445.

If you're not an UPPCO customer, check with your local electric utility. Many have programs similar to NatureWise for their customers.

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