Green Pricing

Appalachian Power Green Pricing Option - FAQ

What is green energy?

Green energy is electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as the sun, wind, water and organic matter. The resources are replenished by nature and are a cleaner source of energy.

What is Appalachian Power's green pricing option?

It is a program that allows Virginia and West Virginia customers, on a voluntary basis, to support the development of renewable energy resources. The green pricing option offers customers an opportunity to make an environmental difference by supporting the company’s purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). A REC represents the environmental attributes associated with electricity generated from renewable resources instead of fossil fuel sources such as coal, oil and natural gas.

What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?

When a renewable energy generator ‒ for example, a wind power generator, solar power generator, or a company that collects methane gas from a landfill and burns it to generate electricity ‒ produces one megawatt hour of electricity that is certified and sold into the electricity market, it produces a Renewable Energy Certificate, or REC. That REC is then sold to a buyer, such as an individual or an organization. In this way, REC buyers are helping to support organizations that generate renewable energy.

What are examples of renewable energy sources?

Renewable energy sources include wind, hydro, solar and biomass. Appalachian Power acquires its renewable energy from wind and hydro power. When customers purchase green energy blocks, they are supporting Appalachian Power's acquisition of RECs.

How much of our energy supply comes from renewable resources?

Currently, approximately 6 percent of the energy customers use is from renewable resources.

What are the sources of renewable energy represented by the RECs purchased by Appalachian Power?

Renewable energy for the green pricing option comes from a variety of renewable resources, including wind, biomass, landfill gas, waste-to-energy and hydro.

Is the green pricing option voluntary?

Yes. Customers are not required to participate in the green pricing option; it is entirely voluntary.

Why should I participate in green pricing?

Participating in Appalachian Power's green pricing option gives customers the opportunity to make a positive environmental impact in the region by helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand America's renewable energy resources, and provide support for the creation of green jobs nationwide.

When customers purchase green energy blocks, they are encouraging the development of renewable energy. Their purchase will take place in addition to their regular monthly electric bill. Customers will not receive any additional electricity from their purchase of green energy; however, they are helping to sustain a market for renewable power generation.

Is there a minimum amount I can purchase?

Customers who voluntarily enroll in this program agree to purchase a minimum of one block of green energy in Virginia and two blocks in West Virginia One block equals 100 kWh.

Is there a maximum amount I can purchase?

In West Virginia, customers are limited to purchasing 50 blocks per month. In Virginia, there is no maximum limit.

How do I enroll in the green pricing option?

Customers may voluntarily enroll in the green pricing option by visiting the company's website at www.appalachianpower.com and going to Green Pricing Enrollment or by calling Appalachian Power's Customer Operations at 1-800-956-4237. The cost of the green energy blocks will appear on the customer's next monthly bill.

What if I no longer want to participate in the green pricing option?

Customers may opt out of the program at any time by visiting the company's website at www.appalachianpower.com or by calling Appalachian Power's Customer Operations Center at 1-800-956-4237.

If I use less electricity than the amount of green energy I purchased, do I still have to pay for all of the green energy I requested that month?

Yes. The purchase of green energy takes place in addition to your regular monthly electric bill. You are billed for the amount of the green energy blocks you request, and the total cost of the blocks is added to your monthly electric bill in addition to the billing for the electricity you use. You will not receive any additional electricity from your purchase of green energy.

Renewable Energy Certificates

When a renewable energy generator ‒ for example, a wind, solar, or a hydroelectric generator produces one megawatt hour of electricity that is certified and sold into the electricity market, it produces a Renewable Energy Certificate, or REC. That REC is either retired by the generator or may be sold to a buyer, such as an individual or an organization and subsequently retired. In this way, REC buyers are helping to support organizations that generate renewable energy.   To participate in the Green Pricing Option, customers must agree to purchase at least one block of green energy at 10¢ per block. Virginia customers also have the option of choosing to have all of their energy consumption matched in Renewable Energy Certificates. Currently however, this option is not available online. In order to participate in the "all consumption" method, please call 1-800-956-4237.

This is a voluntary program. Participation does not affect your current electricity service. Appalachian Power will continue to deliver electric power to your home.