ConEdison Solutions' GREEN Power FAQs:
What is renewable energy?
Renewable or "green" electricity comes from sources that are infinite like the sun, wind, tides, or other sources that replenish themselves naturally.
Why buy renewable energy from ConEdison Solutions?
By choosing to purchase renewable energy, you are doing something positive for our air, health, environment, and the condition of our planet. Buying renewable energy reduces the environmental impact of the energy you use. Buying renewable energy also provides jobs and other economic benefits by supporting home-grown, New York State energy sources instead of relying on foreign produced oil and energy.
What type of renewable energy would I be buying from ConEdison Solutions?
We have two renewable energy products --- Green Power and Wind Power. Green Power is a mixture of 35% wind power and 65% small, run-of-the-river hydropower, and Wind Power is 100% wind. The wind power and the run-of-the-river hydropower are generated from regional facilities that supply the New York State power grid. Our GREEN Power is Green-e certified. Green-e sets consumer protection and environmental standards for electricity products and verifies that certified products meet these standards.
What is wind power?
Wind power is now the fastest-growing renewable energy source in the world and is 100 percent pollution free. The wind power used is supplied with New Wind Energy, a product of Community Energy, Inc., and comes from modern wind turbines mounted on tall towers on farmland in upstate New York and Pennsylvania.
What is run-of-the-river hydropower?
Run-of-the-river hydropower uses the natural flow of the river to produce electricity. It typically creates no air pollution and is more environmentally friendly than large-scale hydropower that typically requires the construction of an impounding dam. Our GREEN Power uses hydropower from small, run-of-the-river facilities located in upstate New York.
How will the power be delivered to my home?
The power grid works in a way whereby no energy supplier can guarantee that specific electrons are delivered to your home. We can assure you that every kilowatt-hour of green power you purchase, which is generated by wind farms and small hydropower plants in New York and Pennsylvania, is delivered into the power grid for distribution. Your purchase does make a real difference.
Will there be any changes to my electric service?
No, you will still be connected to the same regional power grid that provides your power now. There will be no effect on the reliability or quality of your service. Purchasing GREEN Power does not require re-wiring or special equipment, and is just as reliable as standard electricity.
How much will it cost to purchase green power?
The green power product costs an additional one cent per kilowatt-hour, and the wind power product costs an additional 2 and one-half cents per kilowatt-hour. For an average residential customer using 350 kwh of electricity per month, the additional charge over our standard electricity offer would be $3.50 per month for green power and $8.75 per month for wind power.
How much can my purchase help?
When you compare purchasing 400 kWh of GREEN Power every month for one year to the New York average of generation sources, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by the equivalent of planting about 418 trees or not driving about 5,325 miles. Your purchase also helps to develop the market for green power, which encourages development of additional renewable resources in New York.
