Purchase clean renewable energy through your utility. b. Purchase 50% of your home's electricity from renewable energy sources
Potomac Edison is the utility that provides electric service and billing to most Frederick County homes*; however, customers can choose to receive their actual electricity from either Potomac Edison or a different energy supplier. In 2011, only 3.44% of Potomac Edison’s electricity came from clean renewable sources, such as hydroelectric plants and wind farms. You can choose an alternate supplier; some offer plans with 50% or 100% of electricity generated from wind farms. Electric Choice Maryland posts current retail electricity suppliers and rates. Suppliers may allow you to lock in your electricity rate for one or two years. Rates vary slightly depending on your preferences and are comparable to Potomac Edison’s.
No matter which company you choose for your electricity supplier, Potomac Edison will still provide your bill which will include the normal charges for electric service/delivery provided by Potomac Edison. It will also include the charges for electricity usage provided by your alternate supplier. The same electric wires will bring power to your home and you will still contact Potomac Edison if the power goes out or have other service problems.
Depending on the provider, as of spring 2013, powering your home with wind-generated electricity may add as little as $0.006 per kilowatt hour (kWh) if you opt for 50% wind power; 100% wind-generated power may add approximately $0.01 per kWh. That’s only between $3 and $12 per month for an average home to help clear our air and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.Electricity is electricity regardless of its source. For example, once electricity generated from a wind farm enters the grid, it is indistinguishable from electricity generated from a coal plant. So how can an electricity supplier claim to be selling wind-generated power? For an explanation, check out the Purchase Renewable Energy Certificates Action.
* The Town of Thurmont has its own electric utility.
Take Action:
View current electricity suppliers and rates from Electric Choice Maryland (scroll down for the Potomac Edison Service Area)
Investigate options with current clean energy suppliers. (If you want to sign up online, you will need your Potomac Edison account number).
Sign up with a provider for either 100% or 50% wind-generated electricity.
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