BRIDGPORT, Vt. -- You may have heard about "cow power" -- a way for dairy farms to turn waste into a new source of energy for homes.
A system has been up and running for a few days in Bridgport, television station WPTZ reported. The system not only produces electricity, but also keeps toxic run-off out of Lake Champlain.
At the Blue Spruce Dairy Farm, the cows make more than just milk. They generate electricity.
Owner Ernie Audet says cow manure is heated to 100 degrees in a digester machine underground.
"We're just trying to make sure the pathogens are all killed by heating it for 21 days," said Audet.
As the manure breaks down it produces methane gas, which powers a generator that produces electricity.
"You gotta stay modern if you're gonna keep up with the times and stay profitable," said Audet.
The cows at this farm can generate enough electricity to power about 300 homes. Already, customers are expressing interest in this renewable form of energy. They're willing to pay about $20 extra a month to buy 100 percent cow power.
"In Vermont, dairy farms are sacred," said David Dunn of the Central Vermont Public Service program. "They're responsible for the way Vermont looks and feels. The idea that it can also have an impact on the environment as well by reducing odor, killing pathogens in the manure and other side benefits. I think customers really latch onto that."
Cow power has its limitations. It requires a million-dollar investment from farmers. Audet said it only makes sense for large farms, with more than 500 cows.
"It's not going solve all of Vermont's energy issues," said Dunn. "But over time, we'll see more and more farms get involved in this. We'll be able to meet a small percentage of Vermont's needs this way."
With six other Vermont farms interested, CVPS hopes have cow power operating in 2 to 3 percent of all Vermont homes.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Video: Cow Power
