Q. If I sign up for Agway GreenChoice™ Renewable Electricity with Agway Energy Services, how do I know I am supporting renewable resources?
A: Agway GreenChoice™ power is renewable electricity that is produced from small hydroelectric, wind and bioenergy plants based in New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland. It is made available through our renewable energy partner Sterling Planet.
Q. Who is Sterling Planet?
A: Sterling Planet is an innovative pioneer in sustainability, clean energy, energy efficiency and carbon neutrality solutions. They were the winner of the 2007 U.S. Department of Energy Renewable Energy Marketer of the Year award, and they are also a partner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Leaders. Sterling is recognized as a leader in this field, averting more than 20 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, to date.
Q. What is the mix of power resources I am supporting?
A: Agway GreenChoice™ is a great choice for renewable electricity. In New York, our renewable generation, all located within the state of New York, is 70% wind and 30% hydro. In Pennsylvania and Maryland, our GreenChoice™ renewable electricity is 100% Wind.
Q. If I choose Agway GreenChoice™, is the power coming to my house from these renewable resources?
A: When you select Agway GreenChoice™, you are asking Agway Energy Services to arrange for electricity from renewable resources to be placed on the electricity grid on your behalf. While there is no way of knowing which electrons actually reach your house, be assured that this renewable power displaces the more conventional generators that use oil, coal and nuclear fuel. When you turn on a light switch, you’ll know that you’ve made a difference!
Your money goes directly to renewable power generators located in your State and not the generators who use nuclear, fossil fuel or coal as a fuel. In addition, you and all the other Agway Energy Services customers who select Agway GreenChoice™ for your electricity needs are helping to clean up our air by displacing brown power and helping to bring more sources of renewable energy into production.
Q. Why does Agway GreenChoice™ cost more?
A: The additional cost helps make up the gap between the cost of non-renewable conventional generation and that of cleaner renewable resources. The difference for the average household is under one dollar a day and is a concrete way for people to help change the way power is produced by supporting renewable resources. Currently GreenChoice™ for NY customers costs less than an additional $0.02/kWh and GreenChoice™ for PA & MD customers is an additional $0.03/kWh.
Q. I want to support renewable electricity, but how can I lower my cost?
A: The easiest way to lower your electricity cost is to use energy more efficiently. Taking small steps such as switching to LED lighting can begin to make a difference. New York State has created a web site with many low cost or no cost steps you can take to lower your energy use, save money and reduce your environmental impact and contribute to our country’s energy independence. This site can be found at http://www.getenergysmart.org/
Q. Where can I learn more about renewable electricity?
A: Please visit the website of our renewable energy partner, Sterling Planet at http://www.sterlingplanet.com/.
