North American Windpower: PG&E Proposes Option For Customers To Choose 100% Renewable Energy

PG&E Proposes Option For Customers To Choose 100% Renewable Energy

by NAW Staff on Wednesday 25 April 2012

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) says it has asked state regulators for permission to offer a new clean energy program that will give electric customers an opportunity to support 100% renewable energy for an average of a few dollars a month.

PG&E is proposing the "Green Option" in response to requests from customers, elected officials and the environmental community for more ways to promote renewable energy.

Under the program, PG&E would buy renewable energy certificates to match the portion of each participating electric customer's energy that is not already covered by PG&E's eligible renewable energy deliveries. These certificates represent proof that specific quantities of electricity were generated from renewable sources, such as wind and solar.

The Green Option would let customers support 100% renewable energy for a modest premium, similar to what other utilities charge for such voluntary programs. PG&E expects that participating residential customers will pay an average of $6.00 extra each month. Program costs will be borne only by customers who volunteer to participate. Customers may join or leave the program at any time.

PG&E is asking the California Public Utilities Commission to approve the Green Option by early 2013.

Latest Top Stories

Study: How Northwest Wind Can Play With Energy Storage And Provide Operational Flexibility

Researchers have identified two possible sites in eastern Washington to build compressed-air energy-storage facilities that could temporarily store the Northwest’s abundant wind resources.

Wind Consortium Deploys Nacelle-Mounted LIDAR At Offshore Site In Irish Sea

In an important development for performance verification for offshore wind sites, a group of companies have deployed a nacelle-mounted LIDAR at DONG Energy's 367 MW Walney Wind Farm.

As U.S. DOJ Investigates, Duke Works Adaptive Management Plan

With previous golden eagle fatalities reported at two company-owned wind farms in Wyoming, Duke Energy Renewables is going to great lengths to protect raptors.

DOE To Recast Landmark 20% Wind Energy Report; Study Looks Back, Ahead

The U.S. Department of Energy will update its 20% Wind Energy By 2030 report, which indicated increased levels of wind penetration for the U.S. is not only possible but feasible.

Wind Energy Procurement Top Of Mind For Big-Name Companies

With greater frequency, top-tier companies are discovering the economic and environmental power of wind energy and upping their investments in the resource.