PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
The Case for Offering a Voluntary Green Power Option
Positive Press
When a utility first launches a voluntary renewable energy product, it usually enjoys many positive news stories. Successful programs, along with increased community presence, lead to even more positive press. Sample press stories:
- PaloAltoGreen: “Palo Alto has top green program in country”, San Jose Business Journal, 1/1/08
- Santa Clara Green Power: “Green Power Marketing Drives Renewable Energy Expansion, How a Silicon Valley, California utility got it right and clean”, U.S. Department of State, International Information Programs, 11/6/07
- Pure Power: “Ameren Delivers Renewable Energy to Crossroads College Prep”, KTVI - MyFox St. Louis, 10/3/07
Customer Satisfaction
Research by independent
companies such as E Source, as well as internal utility customer
satisfaction surveys, finds that residential customers that are aware
of their utility’s renewable energy program view their utility
more favorably than those customers that do not know their utility
offers a renewable energy.
Stronger Relationships with Stakeholders
State regulatory bodies universally support well-designed, well-marketed voluntary renewable energy programs. Local environmental groups are very likely to support such programs as well – especially if they are consulted during the program development phase.
Demonstrate Environmental Leadership
Renewable energy programs represent a revenue-neutral option for utilities that want customers to know their commitment to supporting renewable energy. Many utilities that operate voluntary programs also purchase renewable energy to meet state mandates and may also have a long history of purchasing renewable energy as part of their overall supply portfolio. Voluntary renewable energy programs compliment these other activities.