Choose Green Electricity
Did you know you can power your home with 100% clean, renewable electricity — without solar panels? Most people have the option to choose clean, green electricity from their utility or a certified renewable electricity supplier. It’s easy, just go online or call up your utility provider and switch! Switching to green electricity is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to take climate action at home. When you opt into a green electricity program, your provider ensures that the amount of electricity you use is matched with clean renewable sources like wind or solar. And it’s low cost - usually just a few extra dollars a month!
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
What is green electricity (or green power)? It is electricity that comes from clean, renewable energy sources like solar or wind. The good news is you don’t have to add solar panels to your home to get green power. Green power options are now available from your utility provider or a community solar program in most areas in the U.S.
It only takes a few minutes to call your utility or go online and sign up. It also doesn't cost much to switch. Green power generally costs an extra 1 to 2 cents per kWh, generally only $5-$15 per month to your bill. Recycle a bit more or do an energy efficiency action, and you can easily save enough money to make up for the extra cost.
Choosing a green power program:
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Reduces climate pollution from the average household by 20% or more
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Creates jobs
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Supports the development of clean, climate safe, renewable energy!
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Is low cost and easy to do
11. Sign up and celebrate!
Check with your utility or the resource section below to find information on program options in your area. Then choose a program and sign up! With this one action, you have made a big impact! This is a BIG, yet simple and low-cost step to protecting our future.
22. Learn more about green electricity (optional)
If all of our electricity was from clean renewable sources, electricity at home and in our buildings and factories, we would reduce climate pollution by nearly 30% in the U.S.
Is natural gas powered electricity better? No. Natural gas is still a fossil fuel and most is extracted using a process called fracking. Fracking creates additional emissions, including large amounts of methane, a very powerful climate pollutant. Fracking can also pollute the soil and groundwater. If we account for the additional emissions from fracking, natural gas is nearly as polluting as coal, the most polluting energy source. Natural gas is not a good choice for protecting our future and creating a safe and healthy environment for our children.
Renewable energy is affordable. Powering electricity with 100% renewable and carbon free sources is now possible! The price of solar and wind has dropped rapidly in recent years and renewable energy is now the lowest cost option. With battery backup and other energy storage options, it is now possible to power all of our electricity with clean, renewable sources.
Renewable energy creates jobs. Renewable energy generation creates 3 times more jobs than traditional electricity generation sources and accounted for over 84% of all new electricity generation jobs in 2022.
33. Learn about the types of green power programs (optional)
Utility Green Power. This is the most common and often easiest to choose. It’s a program provided through your utility where you can choose to purchase green electricity for a small premium. It’s easy—you just call your utility or go online and sign up. Many utilities offer these programs. Premiums are on average about $5-$15/month, which you can easily make up by doing an energy efficiency or recycling action.
Community Solar. In some areas, you can join a community solar program which allows customers to buy a share of a local solar system and receive the benefits. If you can't put solar panels on your home but want to be part of a local solar project, this is a great option. Participants generally purchase shares and then receive a credit on their bill each month for the energy generated.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Another way to choose green power is through an independent company offering renewable energy certificates. They purchase renewable power somewhere in the country and attribute the emissions reductions to you, generally for a low cost. The renewable power they purchase may not be local to you, but it is renewable power somewhere in the U.S. and will lower your impact. Since climate emissions create an impact globally, even if the reduction is not in your backyard, it still works. If you don’t have a green power program through your utility or a community solar program available, this is an alternative option. This is also how some utilities create green power programs.
Which to choose? If you have a choice of different programs, consider the cost, renewable percentage and any extra benefits of the particular program. In general, with all else equal, the best option is to choose a program where the renewable energy is installed locally. This will create local jobs and improve your local air pollution. The closer to home, the more benefits for your community!