Ohio’s green pricing options offer electric consumers the opportunity to support alternative energy sources by paying a premium in addition to their regular utility bill. Duke Energy Ohio and FirstEnergy currently offer green pricing options to their customers.
Will “green” electricity be delivered to my home or business if I participate in green pricing?
Under this program, you should not expect to receive “green” electricity. However, through your participation, you are supporting the generation of electricity from alternative electric generating sources. Imagine the electric system (i.e., the “electric grid”) as a giant box. Electric generators add electricity to the box, while customers take electricity from the box. By participating in green pricing, you wouldn’t know exactly what you were taking from the box when you use electricity. However, your actions would ensure that more electricity from alternative energy sources is added to this box thereby reducing contributions from other sources of electric generation.
How much would it cost me to participate in green pricing?
That depends on your utility and your level of participation. The minimum level of participation is two “blocks” per month, which would help support the generation of 200 kWh of alternative electricity.” For this minimum level of participation, customers are charged the following premiums on their monthly bills:
What types of alternative energy sources would I be supporting if I participate in green pricing?
Depending upon the utility, sources may include wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, landfill gas, biogas digesters, hydropower, coal mine methane, biomass co-firing of agricultural crops and woody waste, compressed air, geothermal, fuel cells and waste coal.
Can any customer participate in green pricing?
Duke Energy Ohio and FirstEnergy make their green pricing options available to all customers, except those enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP).
Do I have to participate?
No. Participation in green pricing is completely voluntary.
How can I tell how much electricity I typically use?
Your electricity usage, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), appears on your monthly electric bill. A typical Ohio household consumes, on average, approximately 800 kWh per month. For example, if you wanted to participate at a level to offset that average monthly electric consumption, you would need to purchase eight 100 kWh blocks.
How do I sign up for green pricing?
Enroll by contacting your utility by phone or online. If you choose to enroll, the cost of the green pricing blocks that you purchase will appear on your monthly bill.
Am I able to change my level of participation during the program?
Yes. You can increase, decrease or terminate your level of participation at any time. Ohio’s green pricing programs are scheduled to run through 2008.
Where can I go to learn more?
Contact your utility or the PUCO at (800) 686-7826.
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