Green Choice

A Diversified Energy Portfolio for Our Members

What is the Green Choice Program?

  • GC YVEA LogoGreen Choice is an attainable renewable energy program that allows our local community to set renewable portfolio goals that are reachable within a short period of time.
  • Green Choice is now available to any members who want to offset their energy usage with renewable energy certificates, (RECs).

YVEA’s Power Mix is 45% Renewable!

Because the YVEA power mix is already 45% renewable, our members only need to offset 55% of their usage to become 100% clean energy users. As we add more renewables to our power mix, we will adjust the percentage Green Choice participants need to purchase to reach 100%.

38%

Wind

Green Choice Program Information

What would the cost be to enroll in Green Choice?

Take your KWH used (found on your monthly bill) and multiply it by 55%. Then multiply that number by $0.006. This will give you the additional amount you will be charged that month to be a 100% renewable energy consumer.

Sample Green Choice Monthly Additional Charge

  • If your monthly usage is 900 kWh per month x 55% non-renewable energy x $0.006= $2.97 additional Green Choice charge
  • If your monthly usage is 1300 kWh per month x 55% non-renewable energy x $.006 = $4.29 additional Green Choice charge
  • If your monthly usage is 2500 kWh per month x 55% non-renewable energy x $.006 = $8.25 additional Green Choice charge
How do I get a program certificate?

If you reach 100% clean energy (55% of your usage offset by Green Choice), you may request a program certificate suitable for displaying in your home or business.

Will YVEA retire RECs on my behalf?

YVEA will aggregate the total number of Green Choice Kilowatt hours our members purchase and retire renewable energy credits (RECs) on behalf of Green Choice participants.

What Are RECs?

Video from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explaining what renewable energy certificates are

To sign up for the Green Choice Program, please submit the form below.

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Green Choice and RECs FAQs

Program Background

  • In 2002, Yampa Valley Electric Association (YVEA) created a Green Power Renewable Energy Credit (REC) program and associated tariff when YVEA leadership signed a contract with Xcel Energy to purchase wind power from Ponnequin Wind Farm in Weld County.
  • The “Wind Program” was created to resell this power in 100 kWh blocks to members for $0.60 each. This was one of the nation’s first voluntary renewable (green) energy programs.
  • Today, to support our members who want to purchase renewable energy we have enhanced our wind program and are now offering the Green Choice Program.
How Are Green Choice Blocks Calculated?
  • Take your KWH used (found on your monthly bill) and multiply it by 55%.
  • Then multiply that number by $0.006.
  • This will give you the additional amount you will be charged that month to be a 100% renewable energy consumer.
How much does it cost to participate in Green Choice?

Sample Green Choice Monthly Additional Charge

  • If your monthly usage is 900 kWh per month x 55% non-renewable energy x $0.006= $2.97 additional Green Choice charge
  • If your monthly usage is 1300 kWh per month x 55% non-renewable energy x $.006 = $4.29 additional Green Choice charge
  • If your monthly usage is 2500 kWh per month x 55% non-renewable energy x $.006 = $8.25 additional Green Choice charge
What is a REC?

A REC (Renewable Energy Certificate) represents proof that one megawatt-hour (1000 kilowatt hours) of electricity was generated from a renewable energy resource. These can be sold separately from the physical electricity associated with the renewable generation source.

How does a program like this get more renewable energy on the grid?

For a very affordable price, Green Choice allows you to participate in the renewable energy market. YVEA is mandated to have a certain percentage of renewable energy certificates. If enough of our members purchase them from us, it could require YVEA to purchase more RECs, thus creating more demand for renewable power generation.

Where does YVEA get its RECs?

A majority of our RECs come from Xcel, our wholesale power provider. Some additional RECs come from the local Stagecoach hydroelectric dam.

Are YVEA’s RECs certified?

All the RECs YVEA has are certified and registered with the Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS).