Green Power Partnership

Green Power Partnership Tools and Resources

Related Topics

The Green Power Partnership provides our partners with a variety of current and relevant tools and resources relevant to green power purchasing including:

  • Tools and Calculators
  • Green Power Incentives
  • Glossary of Terms
  • Related Links
  • Resource Library
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Use the tools below to get more information about the electricity you use, as well as your options for purchasing green power. Once you have completed your green power purchase, you can use the calculators to help communicate the benefits of your purchase to stakeholders.

Toolbox for Renewable Energy Project Development

The toolbox examines six topic areas – including policies and regulations, economic assessments, financing and funding opportunities – that have important implications for developing these on-site solar projects on college and university campuses.

Green Power Locator

The Green Power Locator provides on-line information about green power procurement options available on a state-by-state basis. Use the Locator to determine what green power purchasing options are available to you.

Power Profiler

The Power Profiler is a tool developed by EPA that helps you determine the specific air emissions impacts associated with the electricity you use in your home or business.

World Resource Institute's Scope 2 Guidance

The Scope 2 Guidance Exit standardizes how corporations measure emissions from purchased or acquired electricity, steam, heat, and cooling (called "scope 2 emissions").

Green Power Equivalency Calculator

EPA recommends that Partners use equivalency statements based on equivalent kilowatt-hours.

For example, [Organization's] purchase of XX million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power is the equivalent to the annual power usage of XX average American homes.

The conversion factor for this equivalency statement is [your annual green power purchase in kWh]/[10,932 kWh per average American home per year].*

* Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=97&t=3 Exit

Green Power Incentives

A number of local, state, and federal incentives are available for installing on-site renewable generation systems.

  • The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) Exit is a comprehensive source of information on the status of local, state, and federal programs and incentives promoting renewable energy, including information on financial incentives, net metering policies, and awareness and investment programs.
  • The Department of Energy's Leveraging Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credits Exit guide outlines the wide array of resources available to organizations interested in leveraging federal tax credits to accelerate the deployment of clean, renewable energy.
  • The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ Exit is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. In some situations, green power qualifies for LEED points under
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grants Office provides some funding opportunities. A large part of EPA's mission to protect the environment and public health is accomplished by awarding grants and cooperative agreements. This Web site provides information on the grant application process, applicable requirements, as well as a list of current grant opportunities.
  • The Office of Technology Transitions Exit program offers financial and technical support to inventors and businesses for promising energy-saving concepts and technologies.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Exit works with business, industry, universities, and others to increase the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. One way EERE encourages the growth of these technologies is by offering financial assistance opportunities for their development and demonstration.
  • Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Exit issues solicitations inviting small businesses to apply for SBIR/STTR Phase I grants. Grant applications submitted by small businesses must respond to a specific technical topic and subtopic during an open solicitation. The Web site contains information on these topic/subtopic areas, which include energy production (fossil, nuclear, renewable, and fusion energy), energy use (in buildings, vehicles, and industry), fundamental energy sciences (materials, life, environmental, and computational sciences, and nuclear and high energy physics), environmental management, and nuclear nonproliferation.
  • Partnership for Sustainable Communities Exit includes a number of resources, both financial and technical, that focus on community sustainability development.

Green Power Partnership Glossary

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Additionality
A criterion often applied to greenhouse gas (GHG) project activities, stipulating that project-based GHG reductions should only be quantified if the project activity "would not have happened anyway"—i.e., that the project activity would not have been implemented in its baseline scenario. Additionality is a test used only for project offsets and not for RECs.
Annual Consumption
Annual consumption refers to the amount of electricity used in one year and is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This information is available on your electricity bill or by contacting your energy provider.
Anthropogenic
Caused by man or resulting from human activities. Used in the context of greenhouse gas emissions produced as a result of human activities.
Biomass
Any material or fuel produced by biological processes of living organisms, including organic non-fossil material of biological origin (e.g., plant material), biofuels, biogenic gas, and biogenic waste.
Bundled
An energy attribute certificate that is traded with the underlying energy produced.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an atmospheric gas that is a major component of the carbon cycle. Although produced through natural processes, carbon dioxide is also released through human activities, such as the combustion of fossil fuels to produce electricity. Carbon dioxide is the predominate gas contributing to the greenhouse effect, and as such is known to contribute to climate change.
Carbon offsets
Represent a quantity of GHG emissions reductions, measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) that occur as a result of a discrete project. The emissions reduction from that project can be sold to enable the purchaser/owner to claim those GHG reductions as their own. Renewable energy is one of many possible offset project types.
Certification and Verification
Refers to the certification and verification of green power products. See the Certified and Verified Products section of this website for more information.
Climate
Climate in a narrow sense is usually defined as the "average weather," or more rigorously, as the statistical description in terms of the mean and variability of relevant quantities over a period of time ranging from months to thousands of years. The classical period is three decades, as defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These quantities are most often surface variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind. Climate in a wider sense is the state, including a statistical description, of the climate system.
Combined Heat and Power
Combined heat and power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, is an efficient, clean, and reliable approach to generating power and thermal energy from a single fuel source. CHP is not a specific technology but an application of technologies to meet an energy user's needs. CHP systems achieve typical effective electric efficiencies of 50 to 80 percent — a dramatic improvement over the average efficiency of separate heat and power. Since CHP is highly efficient, it reduces traditional air pollutants and carbon dioxide, the leading greenhouse gas associated with climate change. Visit EPA's Combined Heat and Power Partnership Web site for additional information.
Commodity Electricity
Is physical electricity in the absence of the technological, environmental, social, and economic benefits associated with a specific generation source. These benefits are transferable over geographic distance through a tradable instrument called a renewable energy certificate (REC) and can be re-associated with the physical electricity at the point of use.
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)
Also known as Municipal Aggregation, CCAs allow communities to determine their electricity generation sources by aggregating the community load and purchasing electricity from an alternative suppliers while still receiving transmission and distribution service from their existing provider. Currently authorized in California, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, as enabled by state legislation.
Competitive Markets
Until recently, most consumers received generation, transmission, and distribution services from one local utility company. As a regulated monopoly, the utility was given an exclusive franchise to provide electricity to consumers in any particular community. Rates were set, and consumers had little choice but to pay that rate. In recent years, however, many states have restructured their electricity industry and are now allowing consumers to choose from among competing electricity suppliers.

In these states with retail competition, sellers of electricity obtain power by contracting with various generation sources and setting their own price. Consumers in these states have the opportunity to choose their energy provider and purchase products based on the price or type of power supplied to their home or business. Some consumers are exercising this choice and switching to accredited "green power" resources. In states that have not restructured their electricity markets, consumers interested in purchasing renewable energy now have the option to participate in green pricing programs offered by their local utility.
Conventional Power
Power that is produced from non-renewable fuels, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear. Conventional fuels are finite resources that cannot be replenished once they are extracted and used.
Distributed Generation
Small, modular, decentralized, grid-connected or off-grid energy systems located in or near the place where energy is used.
Electricity Supplier
As states restructure their electricity markets, an increasing number of customers will be able to choose from a range of electricity suppliers who market different types of power products, including green power. In states without restructured electricity markets, local utilities may offer green pricing programs that enable customers to elect to have their utility generate a portion of their power from renewable sources. To find out about green power products in your area, visit the Green Power Locator.
Emissions
The release of a substance (usually a gas when referring to the subject of climate change) into the atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency
Refers to products or systems using less energy to do the same or better job than conventional products or systems. Energy efficiency saves energy, saves money on utility bills, and helps protect the environment by reducing the demand for electricity. When buying or replacing products or appliances for your home, look for the ENERGY STAR® label — the national symbol for energy efficiency. For more information on ENERGY STAR-labeled products, visit the ENERGY STAR Web site Exit.
Energy Marketers
See Electricity Supplier.
Executive Order (EO) 13693
Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade signed on March 19, 2015, EO 13693 Exit, builds upon previous EOs sets ambitious mandates to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 percent across all federal operations and federal supply over the next decade, relative to 2008 levels.
Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are the nation's principal source of electricity. Fossil fuels come in three major forms: coal, oil, and natural gas. Because fossil fuels are a finite resource and cannot be replenished once they are extracted and burned, they are not considered renewable.
Generation
The act of transforming energy into electricity.
Global Climate Change
Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer). Climate change may result from:
  • Natural factors, such as changes in the sun's intensity or slow changes in the Earth's orbit around the sun
  • Natural processes within the climate system (e.g. ,changes in ocean circulation)
  • Human activities that change the atmosphere's composition (e.g., through burning fossil fuels) and the land surface (e.g., deforestation, reforestation, urbanization, desertification)
Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
Any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride
Green Power
Renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact hydro generate green power. A green power resource produces electricity with no fossil-fuel based GHG emissions, has a superior environmental profile to conventional power generation, and must have been built after the beginning of the voluntary market (1/1/1997).
Green Power Marketers
Due to increased customer awareness of the environmental implications associated with conventional power generation, a growing number of utilities and other types of energy service providers have begun offering green power products. The term "green power marketers" usually refers to energy providers operating in states that permit retail competition in the electricity markets. In states that do not allow this retail competition, many utilities have begun offering green power options under what are typically referred to as green pricing programs. To learn more about green power products in your area and whether your utility offers a green pricing program, visit the Green Power Locator.
Green Power Product
Green power electricity products are supplied from renewable energy resources that provide the highest environmental benefit. Green power sold by regulated utilities is called green pricing, and when sold in competitive electric markets, green power is called green marketing.
Green Pricing
Some power companies are now providing an optional service, called green pricing, which allows customers to pay a small premium in exchange for electricity generated from green power resources. The premium covers the increased costs incurred by the power provider (i.e., the electric utility) when adding green power to its power generation mix. To find out if your utility offers a green pricing program, refer to the Green Power Locator.
Green Power Purchasing
Green power can be purchased nationwide from several sources. Green power marketers offer green power products to consumers in deregulated markets, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New England. In states that do not allow retail competition in the electricity markets, many utilities offer green power products through green pricing programs. In addition, all customers nationwide have the opportunity to buy green power and stimulate the development of renewable generation sources through renewable energy certificates. Finally, customers can choose to install on-site generation, such as solar photovoltaics.
Hydroelectric Power (Large)
The process of generating electricity by harnessing the power of moving water is called hydroelectricity. Hydroelectric power (hydropower) is generated by forcing water that is flowing downstream, often from behind a dam, through a hydraulic turbine that is connected to a generator. The water exits the turbine and is returned to the stream or riverbed. Much of the hydroelectricity in the United States is generated at large facilities and in the Pacific Northwest, where it meets about two-thirds of the electricity demand. In the United States, hydroelectricity contributes about 10 percent of the total electricity supply.
Hydro (Small-scale)
In addition to very large hydroelectric plants in the West, the United States also has many smaller hydroelectric facilities. Like large plants, small-scale hydroelectric systems capture the energy in naturally flowing water and convert it to electricity. Although the potential for small hydroelectric systems depends on the availability of suitable water flow, these systems can provide cheap, clean, reliable electricity where the resource exists.
Kilowatt-hour
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a standard metric unit of measurement for electricity.
One kilowatt-hour (kW) is equal to 1,000 watt-hours (Wh).
A watt-hour is the amount of energy delivered at a rate of one watt (W) for a period of one hour.
One watt is the amount of power rate of one joule of work per second of time.
Example: A 100 watt light bulb in use for 10 hours uses 1000 watt-hours, or 1 kilowatt of electricity. (100 watts x 10 hours = 1000 watt-hours = 1 kWh)
Megawatt-hour
A megawatt-hour (MWh) is equal to 1,000 kWh.
Metric Ton
Common international measurement for the quantity of greenhouse gas emissions. A metric ton is equal to 2205 lbs or 1.1 short tons.
Net Metering
A method of crediting customers for electricity that the customer generates on site in excess of their own electricity consumption. Customers with their own generation offset the electricity they would have purchased from their utility. If such customers generate more than they use in a billing period, their electric meter turns backwards to indicate their net excess generation. Depending on individual state or utility rules, the net excess generation may be credited to their account (in many cases at the retail price), carried over to a future billing period, or ignored.
"New" Renewables
The voluntary green power market came into existence in the late 1990's. January 1, 1997 is considered a definitive point in time when green power facilities could be adequately identified as having been developed to serve the green power marketplace. Green power facilities placed into service after January 1, 1997 are said to produce "new" renewable energy. The "new" criterion addresses the additionality requirement for the voluntary market.
On-Site Renewable Generation
Electricity generated by renewable resources using a system or device located at the site where the power is used. On-site generation is a form of distributed energy generation. For more information about distributed energy technologies that are renewable and non-renewable, visit the Department of Energy's Distributed Energy Resources Web site Exit.
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
A type of contract that allows consumers, typically large commercial entities, to form an agreement with a specific energy generating unit. These types of contracts, typically secure a long term stream of revenue for an energy project by providing the energy offtaker a steady cost of electricity.
Renewable Energy
The term renewable energy generally refers to electricity supplied from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, geothermal, hydropower, and various forms of biomass. These energy sources are considered renewable sources because their fuel sources are continuously replenished.
Renewable Energy Resources
See Green Power Market section of this website.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
Also known as green tags, green energy certificates, or tradable renewable certificates. RECs represent the technology and environmental attributes of electricity generated from renewable sources. RECs are usually sold in 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) units. A certificate can be sold separately from the underlying generic electricity with which it is associated. Once the REC is sold separately from the underlying electricity, the electricity is no longer considered renewable. RECs provide buyers flexibility to offset a percentage of their annual electricity use when green power products may not be available locally.
Renewable Portfolio Standard
The requirement that an electric power provider generate or purchase a specified percentage of the power it supplies/sells from renewable energy resources, and thereby guarantee a market for electricity generated from renewable energy resources.
Retail Competition
In states with retail competition, consumers have the opportunity to choose their energy provider and purchase products based on the price or on the source of power supplied to their home or business.
Scope 1 emissions
Emissions from operations that are owned or controlled by the reporting company.
Scope 2 emissions
Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased or acquired electricity, steam, heat or cooling consumed by reporting company.
Scope 3 emissions
All indirect emissions (excluding Scope 2 emissions) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions.
Short Ton
Common measurement for a ton in the United States. A short ton is equal to 2,000 lbs or 0.907 metric tons. See metric ton.
Unbundled
The energy attribute that is separate, and may be traded separately, from the underlying electricity produced.
Utility
A utility is a municipal or private business that provides electricity to the public and is subject to governmental regulation.
Vintage
A term that refers to the year that purchased green power was generated.

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Green Power Partnership Related Links

Most of the following links exit the site Exit

Organizations

Center for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Technologies

The Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for California's energy needs. CEERT campaigns cover issues such as sustainable electrical generation policies throughout the West, clean vehicles, and energy efficiency and conservation.

Center for Resource Solutions

The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) is dedicated to promoting renewable energy and economic and environmental sustainability. CRS administers programs to protect the environment through the design of sustainable energy strategies and technologies. CRS's Green-e™ Renewable Electricity Certification Program certifies green power products that meet the environmental and consumer protection standards established by the Program. The Green-e Program works with diverse stakeholders to form Regional Advisory Committees who ensure that the consumer protection and environmental standards of the Green-e Program work for their regions. When consumers see the Green-e logo, they can be sure that the green power product is verified annually for its power content and that the electricity provider selling the power has met the Green-e Program's environmental and consumer protection standards.

Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture)

PennFuture's mission is to advance effective solutions for the problems of pollution, sprawl and global warming. PennFuture has organized Green Power: Turn It On!, to recruit residential, business and public consumers of electricity to switch to green power. Green Power: Turn It On!'s goal is to have 10 percent of the total electricity consumed in Pennsylvania be generated from renewable energy sources by 2010.

Climate Solutions

Climate Solutions is dedicated to helping the Pacific Northwest become a world leader in practical, profitable solutions to global warming. Among other things, Climate Solutions administers the Northwest Clean Energy Challenge, which recognizes businesses, governments, and utilities that invest in new renewable energy at levels established by a regional.

Global Green USA

Global Green USA works in cooperation with individuals, industry, and government to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future. Global Green USA offers the Go Green Power Switch Guide which provides users with information about how they can choose green power.

International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)

ICLEI's Green Power website provides information about local government policies and programs that promote both solar and wind power. The site provides access to case studies, sample policy and ordinance language, and links to technical sites.

Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition (MAREC)

MAREC is a coalition of environmental and charitable organizations, government agencies, and renewable energy businesses that work together to increase consumer demand for clean electricity in the Mid-Atlantic States. MAREC's public education initiative is called Clean Your Air. Among other things, Clean Your Air provides information about clean energy resources and where to buy clean electricity.

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives. The mission is to support and work with the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals, and stakeholders to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners. Consistent with this mission, NABCEP offers national, credentialing and certifications for renewable energy professionals. NABCEP began that work by creating a certification program for solar electric installers--referred to as the NABCEP™ Solar PV Installer Certification.

Renewable Northwest Project

The Renewable Northwest Project (RNP) is a coalition of public interest organizations and energy companies. RNP's Go Green campaign is encouraging NW businesses and governments to meet the NW Clean Energy Challenge. RNP also works with utilities, the Bonneville Power Administration, customer groups, and elected officials to promote renewable energy development in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.

RENEW Wisconsin

RENEW Wisconsin is a non-profit organization that supports the understanding and use of the state's renewable energy resources. The organization encourages the discussion of renewable energy issues among regulators, legislators, researchers, educators, industry representatives, government, and the general public in Wisconsin.

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (S.A.C.E.), formerly known as the Tennessee Valley Energy Reform Coalition, is a non-profit coalition of 21 environmental and citizen organizations. S.A.C.E.'s mission is to monitor and propose reforms to regional energy policies so that they respond environmentally and economically to the needs of citizens and ratepayers in the Southeast. S.A.C.E. is helping to promote and educate consumers about programs throughout the Southeast that use or generate power from green sources through their Green Power Program.

Western Resource Advocates

Western Resource Advocates is a non-profit law and policy center dedicated to restoring and protecting the natural environment of the interior American west. Western Resource Advocates' Energy Project promotes sustainable energy technologies in six states in the Rocky Mountain and Desert Southwest region. The Energy Project encourages citizens and businesses to switch clean, renewable energy.

Windustry

Since 1995, Windustry has promoted local and community participation in wind energy — through advocacy, outreach education, and technical assistance. Windustry provides detailed, extensive information on wind project development to stakeholders and decision-makers at the local, state and federal levels.

World Resources Institute

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an environmental think tank that goes beyond research to find practical ways to protect the earth and improve people's lives. The World Resources Institute's mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

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Certification Programs

Green-e™ Certification

Green-e is the nation's leading independent renewable energy certification and verification program. The Green-e Program works to expand the market for clean, renewable energy by advancing awareness of renewable energy options and protecting consumers.

Low Impact Hydropower Institute

The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the impacts of hydropower generation through the certification of environmentally responsible, "low impact" hydropower.

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Environmental Information Sites/Calculators

The Power Scorecard

The Power Scorecard is a rating mechanism that assesses the environmental impact of different types of electric generation. The Power Scorecard makes it easy for you to plug into cleaner power for the future of the planet.

U.S. EPA's eGRID

The Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) is a comprehensive inventory of environmental attributes of electric power systems.

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Trade Organizations

American Solar Energy Society

The American Solar Energy Society (ASE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies in the United States.

American Wind Energy Association

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA™) promotes wind energy as a clean source of electricity for consumers around the world. AWEA™ is a national trade association representing wind power project developers, equipment suppliers, services providers, parts manufacturers, utilities, researchers, and others involved in the wind industry.

Business Council for Sustainable Energy

The Business Council for Sustainable Energy was created in 1992 by business leaders from the energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural gas, independent power, and electric utility industries and is committed to economic growth through sustainable energy development.

Biomass Energy Research Association

The Biomass Energy Research Association is an association of biofuels researchers, companies, and advocates that promotes education and research on renewable biomass energy and waste-to-energy systems.

Electric Power Research Institute

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) was established in 1973 as an independent, non-profit center for public interest energy and environmental research. EPRI brings together members, participants, the Institute's scientists and engineers, and other leading experts to work collaboratively on solutions to the challenges of electric power.

Geothermal Energy Association

The Geothermal Energy Association is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal resources worldwide for electrical power generation and direct-heat uses.

Geothermal Resources Council

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) is non-profit, educational association that encourages worldwide research and development on geothermal.

Low Impact Hydropower Institute

The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the impacts of hydropower generation through the certification of environmentally responsible, "low impact" hydropower.

National Hydropower Association

The National Hydropower Association (NHA), founded in 1983, is the only trade association in the United States dedicated to advancing the interests of hydropower energy in North America. Located in Washington, D.C., NHA is a member-driven association that accomplishes its policy work and outreach through the initiatives of its standing committees.

National Biodiesel Board

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is the national trade association representing the biodiesel industry in the United States. Biodiesel is a domestic, renewable fuel for diesel engines derived from natural oils like soybean oil, and which meets the specifications of ASTM D 6751.

National Wind Coordinating Collaborative

The National Wind Coordinating Collaborative (NWCC) is comprised of representatives from the utility, wind industry, environmental, consumer, regulatory, power marketer, agricultural, tribal, economic development, and state and federal government sectors to support the development of an environmentally, economically, and politically sustainable commercial market for wind power.

Smart Electric Power Alliance

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is a non-profit organization, formed in 1992 as the Utility Photovoltaic Group, with 200 utility, electric service provider, manufacturer, installer, government, and research members. SEPA's mission is to facilitate solutions for the use and integration of solar electric power by utilities, electric service providers, and their customers.

Solar Energy Industry Association

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association of solar energy manufacturers, dealers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants, and marketers. We work to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace.

Utility Variable-Generation Integration Group

The Utility Variable-Generation Integration Group (previously the Utility Wind Integration Group (UWIG) was established in 1989 to provide a forum for the critical analysis of wind technology for utility applications and to serve as a source of credible information on the status of wind technology and deployment. The group's mission is to accelerate the appropriate integration of wind power for utility applications through the coordinated efforts and actions of its members, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, its National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and utility research organizations.

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Databases

Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency

DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

North Carolina Solar Center - State Incentives for Renewable Energy

The North Carolina Solar Center serves as a clearinghouse for solar and other renewable energy programs, information, research, technical assistance, and training for the citizens of North Carolina and beyond.

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Other Government Sites

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development (R&D). NREL's mission and strategy are focused on advancing the U.S. Department of Energy's and our nation's energy goals. NREL has assembled a Renewable Energy Contracts Library which includes examples of contracts, forms, and permits required during the renewable energy development cycle.

U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network

The U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network provides information on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network – Green Power Network

The Green Power Network (GPN) provides news and information on green power markets and related activities. The site provides up-to-date information on green power providers, product offerings, consumer protection issues, and policies affecting green power markets. It also includes a reference library of relevant papers, articles and reports. The Green Power Network is operated and maintained by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy.

U.S. DOE Energy Information Administration

The U.S. Department of Energy Information Administration (EIA) collects and disseminates data on energy reserves, production, consumption, distribution, prices, technology, and related international, economic, and financial matters.

U.S. EPA Clean Energy Programs

EPA's Clean Energy Programs are working with state policy makers, electric and gas utilities, energy customers, and other key stakeholders. By identifying, designing and implementing clean energy policy and technology solutions, the program can deliver important environmental and economic benefits.

U.S. EPA Climate Change

EPA's Climate Change Site offers comprehensive information on the issue of climate change in a way that is accessible and meaningful to all parts of society – communities, individuals, business, states and localities, and governments.

U.S. EPA Combined Heat and Power Partnership

The CHP Partnership is a voluntary program seeking to reduce the environmental impact of power generation by promoting the use of CHP. The Partnership works closely with energy users, the CHP industry, state and local governments, and other clean energy stakeholders to facilitate the development of new projects and to promote their environmental and economic benefits.

U.S. EPA Energy Star®

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program

The U.S. EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) is a voluntary assistance and partnership program that promotes the use of landfill gas.

U.S. Federal Emergency Management Program Guide to Buying Energy Products

Federal buyers are now required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to purchase products that are ENERGY STAR®-qualified or FEMP-designated by the Guide to Buying Energy Products. (These products are in the upper 25% of energy efficiency in their class.) The purchasing requirements are codified by FAR Part 23. In addition, Executive Order 13221 requires that federal agencies purchase products with low standby power. FEMP helps federal purchasers identify these types of highly efficient products.

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General Information

Edison Electric Institute

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI), organized in 1933, is the association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies. EEI works closely with all of its members, representing their interests and advocating equitable policies in legislative and regulatory arenas. In its leadership role, EEI provides advocacy, authoritative analysis, and critical industry data to its members, Congress, government agencies, the financial community, and other opinion-leader audiences.

Electric Power Research Institute

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) was established in 1973 as an independent, non-profit center for public interest energy and environmental research. EPRI brings together members, participants, the Institute's scientists and engineers, and other leading experts to work collaboratively on solutions to the challenges of electric power.

Interstate Renewable Energy Council

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), formed in 1982 as a non-profit organization, supports market-oriented services targeted at education, coordination, procurement, the adoption and implementation of uniform guidelines and standards, workforce development, and consumer protection. IREC's mission is to accelerate the sustainable utilization of renewable energy sources and technologies in and through state and local government and community activities.

National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1889. Its members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers in the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NARUC's member agencies regulate the activities of telecommunications, energy, and water utilities. NARUC's mission is to serve the public interest by improving the quality and effectiveness of public utility regulation.

Regulatory Assistance Project

The Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) is a non-profit organization, formed in 1992 by experienced utility regulators, that provides research, analysis, and educational assistance to public officials on electric utility regulation.

Green Power Partnership Resource Library

This Resource Library includes documents meant to aid organizations and individuals in navigating the renewable energy procurement and renewable energy project development processes. It includes guidance documents, templates and actual examples of solicitations and contracts.

Please note: These documents are provided solely as an information service. A document's inclusion in this list does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by EPA, and EPA cannot accept responsibility for content or application. Documents are provided here for ease of access, and should be independently assessed by each user.

Your input is appreciated. If you would like to contribute any additional documents, please email us with either a file attachment or a link to a web location. Also, please include a brief description of the document in the body of the email.

Most of the following links exit the site Exit

Guidance Documents

Templates

Solicitations (Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), etc.)

Contracts

Green Power Partnership Frequently Asked Questions

 

EPA's Green Power Partnership

Q. What is the Green Power Partnership?
A. EPA's Green Power Partnership is a free, voluntary program that encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with purchased electricity use. Started in 2001, the Partnership currently works with more than a thousand partners voluntarily purchasing billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually.

Green Power

Q. How does EPA define green power?
A. EPA defines green power as environmentally preferable electricity produced from a subset of renewable resources, including solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, eligible biomass, and low-impact hydropower.
Q. What makes it greener than other power?
A. Green power resources produce electricity with an environmental profile superior to conventional power technologies, and produce no fossil-fuel based greenhouse gas emissions, helping protect human health and the environment.
Q. Is green power available in most of the United States, or only in certain areas?
A. Green power is available to every single business, institution, government agency, homeowner, apartment dweller, and every other electricity user in the United States. There are three green power product options available:
  1. First, currently, more than 800 utilities offer green power products to customers. These products allow customers to purchase some portion of their electricity from renewable resources—almost always at a higher price, but sometimes offered with price-hedging benefits.
  2. Second, regardless of whether a buyer has access to a utility green power product, any consumer or business in the United States can buy green power through renewable energy certificates (RECs). A REC represents the generation of one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity from an eligible source of renewable energy and its associated environmental attributes. RECs can be acquired separately from electricity service. Combined, RECs and plain grid electricity produce green power.
  3. Last, a prospective buyer can also investigate the option of installing an on-site system on their business or residence.

    Buyers can learn more about these options by downloading The Guide to Purchasing Green Power from the Green Power Partnership website. The guide helps explain the buying process as well as the benefits of each product option.

    To assist prospective buyers, the Green Power Locator offers a state-by-state, list of local utilities and renewable energy certificate marketers that provide green power products in their area.

EPA's Green Power Communities

Q. What is the Green Power Community program?
A. The Green Power Community program is an EPA–designed platform within the Green Power Partnership to promote community-based support for green power. EPA is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and expand the nation's renewable energy supply by driving demand for green power among communities across the country.
Q. What are the benefits to joining the Green Power Community Program?
A. For most municipalities, electricity usage is the single-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. By using green power, a local government can dramatically reduce its carbon footprint, demonstrate civic leadership, increase citizen pride, improve public health, and enhance its community image. Moreover, by answering this call to action, a community, its citizens, and businesses can collectively move the nation to a clean energy future and inspire other communities to do the same.
Q. How much green power are these communities purchasing?
A. As of January 1, 2016 there are 60 EPA Green Power Communities collectively buying more than six billion kWh of green power annually, equivalent to the electricity use of more than 580,000 average American homes.
Q. What is Community Choice Aggregation?
A. Community choice aggregation (CCA) is a state policy that enables local governments to aggregate electricity demand within their jurisdictions in order to procure alternative energy supplies while maintaining the existing electricity provider for transmission and distribution services. These are also known as Municipal Aggregations. Many states passed CCA laws as part of electric restructuring legislation in the late 1990s and early 2000s. States that have passed CCA laws include California (2002), Illinois (2009), Massachusetts (1997), New Jersey (2003), Ohio (1999), and Rhode Island (1997).

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