A Guide to Purchasing Green Power

Online

• 1

  Examine where the power you use now is generated from by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency's website and entering your ZIP code.

• 2

  Visit the U.S. Department of Energy's website to determine which organizations offer green power in your state.

• 3

  Research the price and location of green sources of energy by clicking on the provider's name. The links in the provider name will take you to a new page where contact information is provided.

• 4

  Look for renewable and green energy sources certified by an unbiased third party, such as Green-e and Environmental Resources Trust. Certified energy sources ensures the new power is comparable to the quantity and quality of the power you used previously. Certified energy sources also provide assurance the power companies are meeting environmental and customer protection guidelines.

Credits

• 5

  Purchase renewable energy certificates from a verified vendor, such as a government owned supplier. These certificates represent the power produced from renewable energy projects. Many businesses choose to purchase these credits. One renewable energy credit equals 1,000 kilowatt hours.

• 6

  Use the renewable energy credits if a direct supply of green energy is not readily available.

• 7

  Track where the renewable energy credit electricity is generated from using the Environmental Protection Agency's REC Tracking System to verify the product.