Many households have the option to purchase green power through their utility supplier. This is called a utility green power product or sometimes "green pricing".
A green power rate plan allows you to purchase a specific percentage of your energy usage from green sources. These plans generally come at a premium to your regular electricity rate.
Cost
Green power is generated from renewable resources like wind, solar green power and hydropower. It also reduces air pollution and carbon footprint. Its cost is typically a small premium over the stan
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dard offering. It is sold as a line item on the utility bill. Residential utility green power products (sometimes called “green pricing”) are usually provided by default utilities in regulated markets or competitive electricity suppliers in restructured markets.
Conventional power is produced from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, and nuclear fission. These sources have significant environmental costs associated with mining, drilling and extraction. In addition, the combustion of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases and air pollution during power generation. Unlike conventional energy sources, renewables have zero emissions during power generation.
Environment
Using fossil fuels like natural gas, coal and oil to produce electricity creates air pollution that contributes to acid rain, smog, global climate change and respiratory illnesses. Choosing green power electrical helps to reduce these pollutants and protect the environment.
Renewable energy sources like wind and solar can produce electricity without emitting any harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. However, these sources are limited by their availability and production capacity. Energy storage and energy efficiency improvements are helping to address these limitations.
New York’s competitive electric market allows you to select a green power rate plan for all or part of your electricity supply. Your utility is still responsible for delivering your electricity safely and reliably. You will receive an environmental disclosure label in your bill twice a year that shows the mix of fuels used to generate your electricity, and the associated air emissions. This information will help you make the best choice for your green power electrical needs.
Reliability
Buying green power electrical allows consumers to support cleaner energy sources while helping the environment. It also creates healthier air quality and contributes to economic growth, energy independence and national security.
The reliability of America’s electricity grid is a key national priority. To maintain its reliability, the system must balance supply and demand in real time. It must also be able to respond quickly to unexpected events and recover from them. These functions are supported by a vast network of generation, transmission, and distribution systems. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversees the operation of this system, called the bulk power system, by developing and enforcing mandatory reliability standards.
Traditional power plants provide critical grid services by providing inertia and other essential Reserve Capacity Resources (ERS). These services can’t be replaced with a single technology, and the market needs new options to address these challenges. Some DERs are already providing these services, and more will become available as aging fossil-fueled plants retire.
Safety
Green power electrical is a source of renewable energy that can help reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants. It offers a clean, inexhaustible alternative to fossil fuels and provides jobs for people who are dedicated to this type of energy production. It is important to be aware of the safety concerns when working in the green energy field. These risks include falls, electrical hazards and confined spaces. By following the safety guidelines and implementing prediction and prevention through design, green energy workers can stay safe on the job. If they do come into contact with a live power line, it is essential to call the utility immediately so that the power can be shut off safely.