Q: If a customer signs up for the CTCleanEnergyOptions, does that mean that clean energy is being delivered directly to that customer’s home or business?
A: No. The clean energy that is being generated is being delivered to the electric system and this will displace an equal amount of electricity that would have been generated from traditional sources, such as nuclear, coal, oil and natural gas-fired generating plants. Once in the system, the electricity from clean sources (like the electricity produced from any generator) follows the path of least resistance and, thus, cannot be delivered to a specific location (home or business).
Q: What are the benefits of supporting clean energy?
A: There are many important reasons to choose Connecticut's CTCleanEnergyOptions.
There is an immediate environmental benefit because electricity produced from clean sources reduces the amount of electricity that would otherwise be generated from nuclear, coal, oil and natural gas-fired generating plants. This helps to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, carbon dioxide and mercury which contribute to ozone smog, acid rain and global warming.
It also helps to reduce the demand for traditional fuel sources. These traditional generation sources are becoming increasingly expensive and the supply will eventually run out. There is a need for fuel diversity and opting for clean power helps diversify the fuel mix.
By participating in Connecticut's CTCleanEnergyOptions program you are making an "economic statement" regarding your willingness to support the higher cost of producing electricity from Clean Energy sources. This economic support shows that customers are willing to support the investment necessary to build more clean energy generation in the future.
Further, benefits in public health, energy independence, economic development and job creation are inherent in choosing to support clean, renewable energy sources.
Q: How much more would it cost me more per month for my home to support clean energy?
A: On average, Connecticut households use about 700 kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity per month. Therefore, a typical residential customer who signs up for the 100% option would pay approximately $9.00 more a month and those who choose the 50% option would pay approximately $4.50 more a month.
Q: What are some of the present sources of clean energy?
A: Currently, most clean energy is produced from generating plants that are powered by water, wind, solar, biomass or landfill gas. Wind and water are the resources currently being offered through the CTCleanEnergyOptions suppliers.
Q: How will enrolling in the CTCleanEnergyOptions program stimulate interest in producing more clean energy in the future?
A: It is the simple law of supply and demand. If more customers support clean energy, there will be greater incentives to invest in generation using clean, renewable sources. This is already happening in Connecticut and our region.
Q: If I enroll in the CTCleanEnergyOptions program will I continue to receive my energy supply from my current energy generation supplier?
A: Yes. Whether your energy supply is served by your electric utility or by a competitive supplier, that generation service and relationship will not change. And no matter who supplies your generation service, the utility will maintain the wires and equipment and will respond to power outages.
Q: Are customers who choose to participate in the CTCleanEnergyOptions program subject to the same bill increases as customers who do not make that choice?
A: Yes. Your generation charges, whether supplied by the utility or a competitive supplier are not affected by participation in the CTCleanEnergyOptions program. The CTCleanEnergyOptions surcharge is in addition to other charges on a customer's bill and supports the amount of clean energy that is being delivered to the electric system, whether it is in Connecticut, New England, or elsewhere in the US.
Q: Where do the CTCleanEnergyOptions suppliers get their products?
A: At this time, the clean energy is being produced in different parts of the country. Both suppliers offer small hydropower from New England as well as wind energy from northeast regional and national sources subject to tracking systems approved by the DPUC. “Northeast regional” sources refers to wind energy located in Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia. “National sources” refers to wind energy located in the contiguous United States and the Eastern Canadian Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Ontario, Quebec and Labrador other than the New England and “northeast regional” states as defined above. For further information on the geographic eligibility and approved tracking systems for this program, please refer to the DPUC’s Decision of February 15, 2008 in Docket No. 07-01-09RE01
This provides a benefit to all customers because clean energy displaces
energy produced from traditional sources such as coal, oil and natural-gas
fired generators. The more clean energy on the grid, the greater the
diversity in fuel mix. Since wind patterns move predominantly west to east,
pollutants from fossil-fueled generation will be reduced, thus, making our
air cleaner.
Q: Is the CTCleanEnergyOptions program of limited duration?
A: Contracts for the current program are in effect from July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2011. The DPUC will assess the program and make further recommendations in the future. |
