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Energy management is just one piece of the sustainability puzzle. At GDF SUEZ Energy Resources we
realize what's at stake. That's why we are developing additional products and
services aimed at helping our valued customers reduce their energy consumption
and increase their operational efficiencies, while protecting the environment.
Renewable Energy Certificates
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are tradable environmental commodities
which represent proof that the electricity you purchase is generated from an
eligible renewable energy source. RECs help build a market for renewable energy
projects by providing a production subsidy, thus lowering the costs associated
with such facilities, and providing emissions-free energy. One REC is issued
for each megawatt-hour (MWh) unit of renewable electricity produced.
Types of renewable resources considered "green" resources vary by jurisdiction
but generally include:
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Wind
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Low Impact Hydropower
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Solar
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Geothermal
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Solid, liquid or gaseous biomass
GDF SUEZ Energy Resources offers two types of RECs:
Certified RECs - Certified RECs are certified by a third party and
marketable under the Green-e® name and logo. Costs vary according to source,
market conditions, and location.
Uncertified RECs - Uncertified RECs do not have the rigor nor the
audit trail associated with certified RECs. Costs vary according to source,
market conditions, and location.
Certified RECs
The Green-e® Program is a national certification program for
renewable energy administered by the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS)
(http://www.Green-e.org/) . CRS has been certifying renewable energy
that meets environmental and consumer protection standards that it developed in
conjunction with leading environmental, energy and policy organizations. The
Green-e® program requires that sellers of certified renewable energy disclose
clear and useful information to potential customers, allowing consumers to make
informed choices. Only specifically designated renewable sources are eligible
to contribute to Green-e® RECs. Customers can buy any amount of RECs
regardless of their total load; however, to be eligible to use the Green-e®
logo in their marketing efforts or represent that they buy Green-e® certified
renewable energy, customers must buy at least a minimum amount of RECs as a
proportion of their load (see table below).
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Minimum Green-e® Commitment Requirements for General Usage Claims
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Annual Company/Facility Electric Load
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Minimum Renewables Purchase (% of Load)
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Above 100,000 MWh
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20%
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10,001 - 100,000 MWh
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30%
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1,001 - 10,000 MWh
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60%
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Below 1,000 MWh
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100%
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Uncertified RECs
The EPA's Green Power Partnership Program is a voluntary program that supports
procurement of green power by offering expert advice, technical support, tools
and resources (http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/).
To qualify for the Green Power Partnership, organizations must meet or exceed a
minimum percentage of green power that corresponds to the organization's annual
purchased electricity. Green power purchases must also meet eligible resource,
vintage, and "new" renewables requirements. (see table below)
The Green Power Partnership does not require the purchase of
certified RECs, but may include certified RECs.
Note: Un-certified RECs do not undergo the same level of rigor as certified
RECs.
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Minimum EPA Green Power Partner Requirements
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Annual Company/Facility Electric Load
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Minimum Renewables Purchase (% of Load)
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Above 100,000 MWh
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2%
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10,001 - 100,000 MWh
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3%
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1,001 - 10,000 MWh
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6%
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Below 1,000 MWh
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10%
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Carbon Management Initiatives-Coming Soon!
Carbon reporting will likely be required by many states and even the
federal government. Before meaningful actions to reduce your carbon footprint
can be taken you must know where you stand. This service is aimed at providing
a low cost, but accurate carbon assessment. Other carbon services are being
designed to assist customers in providing the relevant carbon reports that may
be required by state and federal regulatory agencies. Looking for other
solutions? Please share with us ideas for new products and services that will
help you become a more efficient, sustainable organization.
demandresponse@gdfsuezna.com
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