|
Clean Energy Maine Program
The Maine State Energy Program (MSEP) launched this clean electricity awareness campaign in September 2004. with the following objectives:
- To provide Maine citizens with information about clean, green electricity, its benefits, costs and availability to them; and,
- To increase the rate and level of green power purchases, both supply and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), throughout Maine. All campaign activities are “product neutral”.
"Clean energy" is electricity without pollution.* It is electricity from renewable resources like the wind, the sun, Maine's rivers and trees.
Where and How Do I Purchase Clean Energy?
PURCHASE CLEAN ELECTRICITY |
LEARN MORE |
- When Purchasing Supply - Consider your electricity use. An average Maine home uses 6,000 kilowatt-hours per year. At $0.02 more per kWh, clean electricity would add $10 per month.
- When Purchasing RECs - Your environmental footprint represents the environmental impact of your total energy use. The calculator below shows the impact your electricity, propane, heating oil, and/or gasoline use has on our planet.
- You may wish to purchase both supply and RECs. This is a way to ensure that your energy supply is generated from clean sources, and that the impact of your use of heating fuel, gasoline, and other energy sources is offset.
- For Residential or Small Business Purchases of Clean Power
- For Larger Entities Purchases of Clean Power
|
|
Why Should I Care?
Energy is on everyone's mind these days, for many reasons. Fossil fuel dependence affects our health, climate, and economy. If affects our nation's budget, national security and global stability. If you are concerned about energy independence, the future of Maine, or of the planet, supporting clean energy can help.
- Economic benefits. Maine renewable generators pay local taxes and provide local jobs. As the availability of fossil-fuel resources diminish and corresponding resourc costs rise, so does the price of electricity. Generation from renewable resources, however, is not dependent on resources of limited supply.
- Security benefits. Natural gas, oil and other petroleum fuels must be imported to Maine. Renewable generators are domestic, oftentimes local, and decentralized. Their "fuel" - wind, water and wood - is ample and reliable throughout Maine.
- Environmental and Health Benefits. Wind, solar and hydro power do not pollute. By contrast, an average home that does not use clean energy creates 11 pounds of nitrogen dioxide (an asthma contributor), 15 pounds of sulfur dioxide (contributor to acid rain), and over 5,400 pounds of carbon dioxide (contributor of global warming) in one year.
Clean energy just makes sense. Maine already has many clean energy generators. More are on their way. Support these sources is good economics and good policy - a smart choice for all Maine customers. Over 100 renewable energy facilities now operate in Maine.
How Do I Get Clean Energy?
Simply put, you buy it. You vote for clean air with your dollars. It's easy to do and there are lots of choices.
What Kind Do I Want?
Maine has one of the highest percentages of clean electricity generation in the nation. Our instate renewable generators may use any of these renewable, clean, indigenous resources:
- Solar: Solar energy can generate electricity with photovoltaic arrays that convert light to electricity. Maine has over 300 homes and businesses using solar energy.
- Wind: Wind generates electricity using turbines of many sizes.
- Water: Maine has significant hydro electric resources. Over 60 dams – both small and large—provide over 350 MW of clean electricity.
- Biomass: Biomass energy facilities burn waste wood to generate electricity. Maine has six biomass facilities in operation, representing over 170 MW of renewable electricity.
- Landfill Gas (LFG): Landfills produce methane. Capturing the methane and using it to generate steam and electricity can reduce GHG emissions. Maine’s first LFG is expected to begin operation in mid-2006.
What Are My Clean Energy Choices?
There are two ways to purchase clean electricity:
- Green supply: Maine’s electric utilities can deliver electricity from the retailer you choose. Today, Maine consumers can have clean electricity and pay for it through their regular utility bill.
- Certificates: Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or "green tags," certificates are another way of investing in the production of clean electricity from renewable resources. Purchasing REC’s allows consumers to choose from a wider array of clean energy products, all of which replace electricity which would have been generated from non-renewable resources. (Certificates have no impact on your electricity bill, which will stay the same.)
ACT NOW
Whether you are interested in buying clean electricity, or simply learning more, thank you for visiting. Tell your friends about Clean Energy!
For More Information please contact Shirley Bartlett, Efficiency Maine Program Manager at the Maine Public Utilities Commission, at (207) 287-3318.
|
Public
Utilities Commission