Green power FAQs
Where does your wind power come from? Will the green power I purchase go directly to my home/business? Will I receive power even when the wind isn’t blowing? Why does green power cost more than traditional power? What is the difference between retail green power and renewable energy certificates (RECs)? How do I know what blends and power sources are in my green power purchase? What are wind turbines made of?
Where does your wind power come from?
FirstEnergy Corp., the parent company of FirstEnergy Solutions, currently purchases wind energy from the following wind farms:
- Allegheny Ridge Wind Farm (near Altoona, Pennsylvania) -- Allegheny Ridge is the largest wind farm in Pennsylvania, with 40 wind turbines producing 2-MW of power each in Phase I of the farm's development. Phase II of the project is set to generate an additional 70-MW of power
- Casselman Wind Power Project (Somerset County, Pennsylvania) -- The Casselman Wind Power Project is located 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, with 23 wind turbines producing 1.5-MW of power each.
- Meyersdale Wind Power Project (Meyersdale, Pennsylvania) -- Located in Somerset County, the Meyersdale project has been operational since December 2003.
Will the green power I purchase go directly to my home/business?
No. The electric grid includes a specific amount of green energy. When you purchase green power, this amount mixes with the power already in the regional grid system and is distributed in the general vicinity of your home or business. However, there is no way to monitor whether any of the green electrons you purchased were used to light your particular home or business. Think of your green energy purchase as an environmentally conscious decision that helps the region as a whole.
Will I receive power even when the wind isn’t blowing?
Yes, you will receive power from the electric grid. Wind is an intermittent power source, so it is added to the grid on days when the wind blows. Your daily power demand may be met with traditional power. However, over the term of your electric contract, the entire amount of green energy you purchased will be put into the electric grid system.
Why does green power cost more than traditional power?
Green power generation technologies are still being developed, and at this time are more expensive than those of traditional generation. If more consumers choose to buy green energy, demand for green products will grow and costs will decrease.
What is the difference between retail green power and renewable energy certificates (RECs)?
When you buy retail green power you are purchasing electricity that goes into your regional electricity grid. When you buy a REC, you are purchasing the environmental attributes associated with the generation of green power, illustrated in a certificate, but not the actual electricity itself. With a REC, the electricity that produces these environmentally friendly attributes can be generated from anywhere in the country. RECs are a good way to offset a percentage of your annual electricity use, especially if green retail offers are not available in your area.
How do I know what blends and power sources are in my green power purchase?
A green power content label, showing the percentages and sources of green power in a green product, should be included in your terms and conditions.
What are wind turbines made of?
The long tower connected to the blades is made of steel and is usually hollow inside. The blades at the top of the tower are fiberglass and polyester.
(05/31/07)
|
