Beginning in June, Methodist Medical Center will be using wind-generated electricity at five of its buildings. Methodist Medical Group at Canton, Methodist at Pekin, Methodist at Morton, Methodist MedPointe at Peoria and the Methodist Atrium building in Peoria will all be utilizing wind-generated electricity. The Morton office has been using wind-powered electricity since October of 2008. Power is still transmitted to the buildings over Ameren-Cilco power lines, but will originate from wind-powered turbines purchased through an independent power broker.

Vance Vinson, Manager of Facility Services for Methodist, said the switch to wind-powered electricity will save Methodist over $12,000 this year alone. The power is being purchased through Blue Star Energy of Peoria. According to Vinson, the conversion will be the equivalent of taking 502 cars off the highways, saving 146,072,000 pounds of CO2. Vinson said, “This is one of many steps being taken by Methodist to make better use of our resources while providing the best service to our patients.”

Methodist is an early leader in efficient use of energy consumption including the use of geo-thermal heating and air conditioning at its Lacon physician office.