Message from the Consumers' Counsel:

Green pricing options a step towards energy independence

Energy independence has become an issue at the forefront of the American discussion. In a recent public poll by the Center for American Progress, energy independence and global warming were identified as the most important concerns for the United States to address next to healthcare.

The urgency to address our reliance on fossil fuels is apparent. The same poll shows 64 percent of Americans believe immediate action is needed “to make our country less dependent on oil and move to cleaner, alternative energy sources” rather than a gradual change in the energy we use.

With that in mind, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) collaboratively worked with Ohio’s largest electric utilities – American Electric Power, Duke Energy Ohio and FirstEnergy – to offer consumers green pricing programs to support the development of renewable energy.

The green pricing programs allow customers to support its utility’s purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs). These certificates represent the environmental and social benefits associated with renewable energy resources. Renewable energy certificates can help you reduce the environmental impact left by your daily activities.

Each of the programs offered are completely voluntary. By signing up for your respective green pricing option and supporting clean energy, you will pay a small premium for a minimum of 200 kilowatt-hours of RECs each month. The average customer uses 850 kilowatt hours of electricity per month and may choose to support a greater amount of electricity from renewable energy as well.

The green pricing option also will stimulate the market to expand the use of renewable energy, which will in turn help the environment and help control costs over time. With a larger investment in renewable energy, the price of coal will stabilize and the increased production of renewable energy will create a cheaper and more abundant resource.

Duke Energy’s GoGreen program and the Green Pricing Option to be offered by American Electric Power and FirstEnergy are simple, yet effective ways for you to make a difference in the energy future of Ohio and the United States. More information on these programs as well as how to sign up is available by clicking here.

Best regards,

Janine L. Migden-Ostrander