FAQs
What is green power?
Green power means electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, water and organic matter. These resources are replenished by nature and are a cleaner source of energy.
Why is renewable energy important?
Renewable energy in North Carolina means cleaner air and a more stable energy supply for the future.
How does NC GreenPower work?
NC GreenPower is an independent, nonprofit program that uses voluntary contributions to encourage the development of electricity generated from renewable energy sources to add more green power to the state's power supply. Individuals may contribute as little as $4 per month to add one block of 100 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy to the electric supply. More contributions means more renewable energy can be available, making North Carolina's environment healthier for us all.
How did NC GreenPower get started?
For more than two years, a committee representing consumers, electric utilities, the environmental community, technology suppliers, the various state agencies and Advanced Energy worked together to create a statewide program that would add more renewable energy sources to the state's power supply. In January 2003, the N.C. Utilities Commission approved the program plan for NC GreenPower.
How is the NC GreenPower program administered?
NC GreenPower is administered by Advanced Energy, an independent, non-profit, Raleigh-based corporation with a 21-year history of working with renewable energy, energy efficiency and the electric utilities. Advanced Energy formed the separate nonprofit entity, NC GreenPower, which is governed by a board of directors with representation from consumers, state government, technology, environmental advocacy groups, and electric utilities.
Are other states developing green power programs? How is North Carolina's program different?
Electric utilities in 31 other states are now implementing green energy programs. North Carolina is the first state that has developed a statewide plan for green power. Other states have programs that are developed by individual utility companies. North Carolina was determined to take a careful and thoughtful approach in order to develop a program that will be most successful.
Where will the renewable energy come from?
Electricity from renewable energy is typically generated by small local producers. As with any new undertaking, converting natural resources such as solar power and wind into electric energy initially costs more than traditional energy sources. The NC GreenPower program is designed to encourage the development and production of more green energy by growing the availability of green power sources.
How can I help?
You can help protect the environment by contributing as little as $4 per month to NC GreenPower. Simply sign up to be a NC GreenPower contributor through Wake Forest Power. For your convenience, the contribution you specify will be added to your electric bill every month. The utility will forward all contributions, in full amount, to NC GreenPower.
To sign up for NC GreenPower, contact Andrew Brown, Jr. at (919) 435-9466.
One-time contributions are also accepted. Make checks payable to NC GreenPower and mail to:
NC GreenPower
ATTN: Accounts Receivable
909 Capability Drive, Suite 2100
Raleigh, NC 27606-3870
Where does my contribution go?
Your contribution will go directly to encourage the development of more renewable energy sources in North Carolina. All the state's utilities have volunteered to collect their customers' contributions and send the entire contribution to NC GreenPower. That saves us the cost of administrative fees – a big cost savings for a nonprofit organization like NC GreenPower.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes. Because NC GreenPower is a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization, your donation is deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Consult your tax professional for more information.
Can businesses contribute to NC GreenPower?
Yes. North Carolina businesses are invited to help us protect the environment and while increasing our supply of renewable energy. Large-volume users may contribute a minimum of $250 toward renewable energy. Small to mid-size businesses may be interested in contributing a minimum of $4 per block of renewable energy. Simply contact Andrew Brown. Jr. at (919) 435-9466 to sign up.