Last week, Harvest Moon Drive-In began their season as the most environmentally friendly movie theater in the country. The family-owned and operated theater, located in Gibson City, claims to be the world’s first movie theater to make the leap to wind power. By becoming the first theater to go green in a big way, owner Mike Harroun is hoping to save on the electric bill while also keeping costs down for customers. Helping the environment is pretty good, too.

Before installing the wind turbines, Harvest Moon was already taking steps toward becoming environmentally friendly. They started downsizing their vehicles, recycling and using energy efficient lighting. With the new turbines, they have been able to drastically reduce their energy consumption. Everything runs on the electricity produced by the turbines, including the high-powered projectors. The change in energy sources is not visible on screen, though. Everything runs as smoothly as it did before.

In addition to helping the environment, installing the turbines was the economically savvy thing to do. Suffering under the strain of an electric bill that recently doubled, the Harrouns decided to look into wind turbines at the suggestion of a regular customer who was installing one in Bloomington.

“It happened by chance,” said Ben Harroun, the owner’s son. “It was the best option after how much the electric bill went up from January 2007. It saves money, and it’s good for the environment.”

A turbine by Southwest Windpower was installed first, and then Mariah Energy offered them the second one. The two turbines convert wind power into electricity and work in conjunction with the utility grid, so there’s always a backup in case there is not enough power stored up. That seems unlikely in a place as windy as central Illinois.

“The other day, it was really windy, and the meter actually started spinning backwards,” said Harroun. That gives them credits with the utility company, meaning they pay less when it gets really windy. While the actual installation of the turbines wasn’t cheap, the long-term effect is well worth the cost. Their energy expenses are approximately 30% less, and the wind energy generated during the six months of the year when the theater is closed can be stored up and used later.

The turbines also help the customers save money. The recent economic free-fall has caused many businesses to raise their prices, but Harvest Moon’s price of admission is still $6.00, one of the lowest in the country.

“We want to pass off the cost on ourselves rather than the customers,” Harroun said. The wind turbines are Harvest Moon’s way of keeping ticket prices down.

“Where else can you take a family of four, get popcorn and a pop, and only spend about $30?” added Mike Harroun, who is proud of what he calls the “magical” quality of the drive-in theater experience. “It’s one of the few places in America where you can come and enjoy your life without being bothered.”

The new season just began, so it’s hard to tell whether or not the turbines will help generate business. Harroun is hopeful, though. “I hope people come see it out of curiosity. I would,” he said.

By saving energy and the owners’ and the customers’ money, the wind turbines will allow Harvest Moon to remain a customer-centered theater, something which Harroun values greatly.

“There’s a lot of socialization,” said Harroun. “The thing I love the most is that we get so many families. I love to see the moms and dads playing with their kids in front of the screens. You don’t see that anymore.”

Harvest Moon Drive-In may be the first movie theater to use the technology of the future, but it still allows people to experience a little bit of the past.