Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS) has approved the use of Cow Power. Cow Power is a renewable resource created by generators set up on dairy farms to harness methane produced by cow manure. CVPS wants to create a renewable energy source that will also benefit the farmers in the area. This form of energy received the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Commissioners Choice Seal of Quality.

Aside from developing a secondary income for participating farmers cow power will help reduce the effect of raw manure run off into local water systems. This will also help to reduce odors and provide a source of bedding for farmers. They will be able to use the dry by products in place of sawdust or other bedding. This provides electricity to the public, protects water systems and helps farmers to reduce and offset some of their over head costs.

This service has been offered to Vermont citizens since September 1, 2004. Customers have a choice of how much of their electricity could come from using Cow Power. Their choices are 25 percent, 50 percent or 100 percent. Their bills would be a little higher than normal. This increase of four cents per kilowatt hour goes directly to the farmer.

If there is a shortage of kilowatt hours from participating farms, Central Vermont Public Service will try to gain Renewable Energy Certificates from other regional renewable generation. If there are not available in the regional market the company will deposit the payments in to the CVPS Renewable Development Fund. Thisfund is run by an independent board. These monies will be used for development and start up costs, to help farmers overcome market barriers, and generally support farms as they enter the renewable energy market.

The Central Vermont Public Service Cow power program is a model for other states and public service boards to offer renewable energy source for the consumer and to help increase to farmers to stay in agriculture.