TV BLOG

5. 11. 2008

OSTRAVA VIDEO

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) allow any customer, anywhere in the country to support renewable energy generation. For every REC purchased, one megawatt-hour (MWh, or 1000 kilowatt-hours) of renewable electricity is generated and delivered to the power grid.

So, what is a REC?

Since it’s virtually impossible to request only the “green” electrons be delivered to your home or business by your electricity provider, RECs provide a low-cost mechanism for individuals and businesses to capture the environmental benefits (zero emissions, etc) of the green power and claim it as their own.
Each MWh of clean, renewable electricity reduces the need for one additional MWh of pollution-causing conventional power; therefore a REC represents the environmental benefits of this displacement.
Green-e Energy Certified RECs are audited to ensure that only one customer claims credit for each MWh of renewable electricity

How do you know if RECs or VERs are more appropriate for you?

Start by considering the 3Degrees approach to balancing your carbon footprint: Reduce, Renew, Balance.

The sale of RECs generates additional funds that improve renewable energy project economics, making them more competitive with other fossil fuel sources, like coal and natural gas.