Sign up for green power from your utility
Why This is Green
Depending on where you live, your utility company may offer the option of purchasing cleaner energy that they will distribute through the power grid. Choosing to purchase this clean and renewably generated power is one of the most effective actions any individual can do to minimize the environmental impact of home energy use (without installing solar panels or erecting a wind turbine).
By signing up for 100 percent green power, you’re telling your utility that they have to buy your annual usage from a renewable source like solar or wind. While the power delivered to your home may not come directly from that source, you’ve put that much into the grid. You’ve also driven up demand for clean power, which in turn makes it more economically viable for large-scale renewable projects to be built—a big accomplishment for such an easy switch.
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How To
To make the switch, contact your energy provider—electric as well as gas—and ask about options available to purchase green power from them. It can get a little confusing but you’ll catch on quickly.
Try to purchase 100 percent if available, or the highest percentage available. Some providers also offer local renewable energy.
While you’re on the phone, ask how much the switch is going to cost you. It can be a little more a month, depending on how much energy you’re using overall. This can be mitigated by taking steps to conserve energy. Some energy suppliers may be able to save you money.
