In October 2003, North Carolina launched the nation’s first statewide, multi-utility program to encourage the development of renewable energy sources for the state’s power supply—NC GreenPower. Five years later, a growing number of North Carolina residents and businesses are joining NC GreenPower in its mission to support the growth of renewable energy in North Carolina. NC GreenPower is now also offering carbon offsets to address growing concerns about the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment.

Renewable energy, also known as green power, is generated from sources that are available naturally and replenish themselves. Green power comes from renewable sources—such as solar, small hydro and wind—that produce little or no pollution and have far less impact on the environment than energy from fossil fuels such as coal or oil. More and more electric utilities nationwide are offering green power to customers because it is a cleaner energy option.

Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are created naturally and from human activity. A carbon offset project will mitigate those damaging emissions caused by activities such as driving, flying and industrial processes. Some examples of carbon offset projects are methane collection and combustion—from farm animals, landfills or other industrial waste; and tree planting—reforestation and avoiding deforestation.

About the NC GreenPower program
North Carolina businesses have a great way to “go green,” thanks to almost 50 utilities across the state, including Dominion Power, Duke Energy and Progress Energy, 22 cooperatives and 22 municipalities. Organizations wishing to incorporate renewable energy into their sustainability practices can do so through a contribution to NC GreenPower on their utility bills. Working with independent renewable energy generators and the state’s electric utilities, the program offers electricity generated from renewable sources such as the sun, wind and organic matter, all of which are indigenous to North Carolina. The program is “homegrown,” meaning that energy is produced in North Carolina for the state’s power supply. The carbon offset program is the newest way to reduce your carbon footprint. Carbon offsets can be purchased to offset a specific event or mitigate emissions from car or air travel.

Supporting NC GreenPower will not only help to diversify the state’s electric supply, but will also provide important environmental benefits. Each 100 kWh block will annually offset approximately 972 pounds of coal that would have been required to produce the same energy and is environmentally equivalent to planting 192 trees. Each 500 pound block of carbon offset will annually offset the approximate emissions from a mid-sized car driving 6,000 miles.

The program is made possible by financial contributions to help offset the costs of these projects. A typical contribution of just $4 per month adds one block of 100 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy to North Carolina’s power supply, or mitigates 500 pounds of carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. Large-volume users—usually from the corporate sector—may contribute toward 100 or more blocks per month of renewable energy at a rate of $2.50 per block with a different energy mix. All contributions are voluntary and tax-deductible.

“This program is for everyone,” says Maggy Inman, vice president and program manager of NC GreenPower. “It is an easy and affordable way for both individuals and organizations to make a positive impact on the air quality of our environment and to promote the development of cleaner sources of electricity for our state.”

NC GreenPower provides an easy and effective opportunity to balance your impact on the environment. This landmark nonprofit offers complementary ways to make a difference—renewable energy that supports cleaner energy sources and carbon offsets that mitigate greenhouse gases. Combined with your personal energy conservation, NC GreenPower’s renewable energy and carbon offsets help you create a cleaner and greener environment.
Balance your impact on the environment. Support NC GreenPower today.

For more information about NC GreenPower and how to participate, call 866-533-NCGP,
Email info@ncgreenpower.org or visit www.ncgreenpower.org.