December 17, 2024
Part IIII of a series. Read Part I here, Part II here, and Part III here.
Customers looking for ways to support alternative energy to slow the effects of climate change can use Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to do so. Since many consumers typically can’t build and generate renewable energy on their property, RECs give consumers flexibility in meeting their own renewable energy or climate goals.
Competitive suppliers have responded to consumer interests and offer a wide range of different plans, including those with REC components.
Types of Retail RECs
- Green Mountain Energy (NRG) – All-Nighter for EVs
- Available Customer Class: Residental
- Customers will receive a 10% Solar REC-based plan (90% Wind) and lower electricity prices at night from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- ILG&E, NJG&E, PAG&E (Vistra) – Carbon Smart 12, 24, or 36
- Available Customer Class: Residental
- Customers will have carbon offset credits will be purchased on their behalf based on 100% of their monthly usage. Plus, they’ll get $50 in Reward Dollars every month once their account is active.
- Green Mountain Energy (NRG) – Pollution FreeTM All NighterSM Plan
- Available Customer Class: Residental
- Customers will receive 100% renewable energy for free all night long from 8 PM to 6 AM – even on the weekends. During all other times of the day, customers will receive a fixed price for their electricity.
- Green Mountain Energy (NRG) – Footprint Free Plan
- Available Customer Class: Residental
- Customers who sign up for this plan will receive power for their home generated with 100% clean sources, have the ability to purchase carbon offsets, and support Green Mountain Energy Sun Club.
- NRG – 12-Month Plan with Renewable Energy Plus Carbon Offsets
- Available Customer Class: Residental
- Customers will receive carbon offsets for emissions equal to 11,500 miles of driving, electricity generated from National Wind, and supply price security for 12 months.
- Constellation – NewMix® RECs
- Available Customer Class: Commercial & Industrial
- RECs purchased from the NewMix® program are sourced from generating facilities located within the continental U.S. and can be purchased as a block or as a percentage of a customer’s electricity supply.
- Constellation – CORe Product
- Available Customer Class: Commercial & Industrial
- Customers have the ability to access existing offsite renewable projects through a retail power contract. This product combines location-specific renewable energy purchases and RECs from an existing renewable asset in a physical load-following energy supply contract. It allows customers to quickly size, select, and procure renewable energy just like they would for conventional electric supply.
By purchasing RECs, consumers are funding renewable projects, driving the construction of new facilities, and increasing the proportion of clean energy in the grid. RECs empower both individuals and businesses to actively participate in the renewable energy transition, making tangible environmental benefits possible.
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