Why should I make the switch to green power?
Your individual choice to buy clean energy sends a powerful market signal for increased demand for green power and investment in clean energy technologies.
Is clean energy as reliable as the power I get now?
Yes. Regardless of which company you choose to be your electric supplier, you will still have the same electricity distributor (Pepco) deliver power to your home or business.
What happens if there is a power outage?
Your electricity distributor (Pepco) will remain responsible for all power and service related issues. Please contact your local utility if you have a power outage.
Will clean energy be delivered directly to my home?
No. It will be delivered to the grid. We all pay for energy to be supplied to the power grid on our behalf. Right now, you are likely paying for the standard mix of energy sources. When you sign up for green power, you will pay specifically for solar, wind, hydro and other clean sources.
Will I lose power if the wind turbines stop spinning or the sky is cloudy?
No. Although you are paying for green energy to be supplied to the power grid, the electricity in the grid comes from a variety of sources and the electrons from clean energy can't be distinguished from the electrons from other sources. This means that there is NO change to the dependability of power to your home or business.
How much will it cost?
The cost of green power varies depending upon your electric usage and the product you select. In some cases, it may be less than your current rates. You can use the following price charts to compare prices; however, for up-to-date competitive information, please contact the suppliers directly to obtain price estimates to assess the going market rate for green power products that meet your purchase specifications. What happens if I move in the middle of my contract or cancel my contract?
This would depend on the contract requirements from your vendor. Some programs may have an early termination fee for cancellations. Please check with your supplier. When you sign up for green power, try to select a program that does not contain a penalty.
What is the Impact of My Green Power Purchase?
You can calculate equivalency statements of your green power purchase using EPA's
Green Power Equivalency Calculator.
When I'm choosing, how do I know which products are clean?
To help consumers more easily identify green power products, the Green-e Energy certification program is a national independent certification and verification program for renewable electricity and renewable energy certificates (RECs). The Green-e Energy
program, administered by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions, certifies and verifies renewable energy products offered in competitive electricity markets, sold in utility green pricing programs, and sold in national markets for RECs. Selecting energy products that are Green-e certified helps to ensure that the companies and products meet consumer protection and environmental standards.
Is switching to green power all I need to do to help the environment?
While switching to green power is a great first step, there are many other actions you can take to decrease your impact on the earth. You can start by reducing your total carbon footprint by driving less or buying a more fuel efficient vehicle, recycling, buying locally grown food, reducing your home's energy use, properly caring for your lawn and incorporating on-site stormwater management practices to reduce runoff and pollution. |
