MGP, a U.S. supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, has committed to sourcing 100% of its electricity needs from wind power.
Through a three-year agreement that took effect April 1, the company has made a commitment to renewable energy through Westar Wind, a Green-e certified program offered by Westar Energy. As a result, the total electric usage at MGP’s facilities in Atchison, Kan., and Lawrenceburg, Ind., will be offset by energy provided by Westar’s wind resources in Kansas.
Under the agreement, which can be renewed at the end of three years, MGP will purchase renewable energy credits from Westar. Wind energy equal in value to the credits will then be sourced from wind farms in Kansas and added to the overall energy grid system. This arrangement makes MGP the largest Westar customer to commit to 100% renewable energy, the partners note.
“We are proud and excited to enter into this agreement, which represents a significant step in our efforts to realize both the direct and overarching benefits of renewable energy technologies,” comments Gus Griffin, MGP’s president and CEO. “Among these is our ability to take on a more prominent and proactive role in further supporting environmental sustainability through greater use of clean energy. This initiative is consistent with the long-term view we take for our business and reflects our enduring commitment to our communities and social responsibility.”
