GreenPower puts the earth’s health in your hands, allowing you to feed renewable electricity into your grid.
What is GreenPower?
The GreenPower project was implemented to raise public awareness towards the need for national renewable energy. GreenPower is the only government-certified renewable energy scheme, where you purchase electricity from renewable sources via your electricity retailer. Most retailers offer plans that allow you to commit fractions of your energy consumption towards renewables.
How does it work?
GreenPower lets your retailer feed renewable electricity into the grid on your behalf. The amount of "green electricity" you’re able to commit back to the grid is determined by the amount you use in your home and/or business. Different retailers offer different amounts you can commit to. Ask a range of retailers to provide you with their company's information. The more green electricity you commit to the system, the higher the cost for you, but the lower the long-term cost for the planet.
Where can I purchase GreenPower?
The majority of electricity retailers in Australia provide GreenPower options. The three largest retailers of green energy are AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin Energy. All of these offer options for GreenPower feedback, while smaller suppliers like Lumo Energy provide options for 10% renewable energy.
GreenPower is an environmental initiative that came about in 1997 through a concerted effort from the state governments of NSW, VIC, ACT, SA and TAS. In 2008, 11 years after it began, the GreenPower scheme is now supported by some of the country’s largest energy suppliers including AGL, EnergyAustralia, Integral Energy and Simply Energy.A brief history of GreenPower
Why should I consider GreenPower?
In 2009, Australian residents purchased 1 million megawatt hours (MWh) of green electricity, and businesses purchased 1.2 million MWh. Enrolling in a GreenPower scheme is an effective way to support Australia’s renewable energy industry. It also helps reduce your household's or company's impact on the earth.
What are GreenPower generators?
GreenPower generators create electricity from sources that are renewable; that is, sources that can operate indefinitely. Fossil fuels were created long ago, and once supplies are exhausted, we will no longer have access to this type of energy. GreenPower generators create electricity from renewable sources such as wind power, hydroelectric processes, wave and tidal power, and solar power. GreenPower generators are spread throughout the country and incorporate one of these methods, depending on their location.
How trustworthy is the GreenPower scheme?
Twice a year, each state government involved in the scheme conducts an independent audit of green electricity providers to ensure they are producing a truly renewable product.
For businesses:
What are the benefits?
- More than 32,500 businesses have helped mitigate their environmental impact.
- $300 million has been committed to renewable energy infrastructure.
- It offers inherent brand and marketing benefits.
What are the costs?
- Signing up for GreenPower is more expensive than electricity from regular non-renewable sources.
How do I find a provider?
Finding a GreenPower provider is easy: speak to an energy consultant, or go to the GreenPower website to compare deals being offered by green electricity providers.
Case study
Unipod
According to GreenPower's website, many businesses are operating with an outdated energy plan. Switching to an updated GreenPower plan often results in net savings for a company. For instance, “...Unipod is projected to have saved $21,000 annually by switching to a new energy plan, including 10% GreenPower”.
Douglas Shire Council
Douglas Shire Council, which has 20 employees, purchased 1,000 MWh of green energy, saving 1,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
For residential:
What are the benefits?
- You’ll be joining over half a million homes in making a difference to the planet.
- Contributing money towards the renewable energy sector. Australian residents have already provided $250 million towards a more sustainable future.
What are the costs?
- Signing up for GreenPower is more expensive than electricity from regular non-renewable sources. For more information on costs, you can visit the GreenPower website, or take a look at a typical case study, presented below.
How do I find a provider?
All you have to do to track down a GreenPower provider is speak to an energy consultant, or head to GreenPower's website, where you can compare different deals that are being offered.
Case study
For an average Australian home, the price of generating 100% of your home’s annual electricity is as little as three cups of coffee per week.
