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Green Power Switch FAQs

What is Green Power?

Green Power Switch is a simple way for you to increase regional renewable energy and protect the local environment for future generations. For as little as $2 a month you can do your part to support renewable electricity from sources such as wind, solar and biomass. Although the price of renewable energy is generally coming down, it still costs more than energy from traditional sources. Your purchase of Green Power Switch helps cover the difference in the cost. Each $2 block of Green Power Switch ensures 150 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity is generated in the Tennessee Valley region by a renewable resource. This is in addition to the renewable and clean energy already included in TVA's standard energy supply.

 

How much does Green Power cost?

Green Power Switch is sold to residential consumers in 150 kilowatt-hour blocks. This amount represents about 12 percent of a typical household's average monthly energy use. Each block adds $2 to the customer's monthly power bills. Customers may buy as many blocks as they like. Green Power Switch is also marketed to commercial and industrial consumers, who are asked to buy blocks based on the amount of energy they use. Although renewable sources like sunlight and wind are free, the technology used to capture the energy they produce is generally more expensive than traditional power generation methods. Hopefully, an increase in the demand for renewable energy will lead to the expansion of power production capacity and lower costs.

 

How does Green Power benefit the environment?

A purchase of Green Power Switch creates demand for renewable energy in the Tennessee Valley region. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the purchase of 1,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy from Tennessee will avoid an estimated 1,917 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, which is the equivalent to the CO2 emissions from consuming 97.5 gallons of gasoline. The environmental effects of traditional energy sources like coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear power can be significant. Zero-emissions electricity resources like wind and solar will help keep the air in the Tennessee Valley cleaner, while supporting clean-technology economic development in the region. Although no source of energy is impact-free, renewable resources create less waste and pollution. In fact, an investment of an additional $8 per month on your power bill buys enough Green Power Switch to equal the environmental benefits of not driving a car for over six months.

 

Where are Green Power renewable resources located?

The renewable resources for Green Power TVA customers purchase come from wind, solar, and biogas (e.g., landfill methane) sites in Tennessee, North Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky and Alabama.

 

How do I participate in the program?

You can find out more information and register for the program by clicking here. When you fill out the online form provided, TVA will communicate your request to AUB and we will get your requested amount of Green Power into your AUB account. You may also call (866) 673-4340 to sign up. Once your AUB account has your Green Power Switch blocks added, the charges will appear on your regular utility bill as an additional line item.